The Islander Newspaper E-Edition Wednesday, April 11, 2018 by The Anna Maria Islander Newspaper

Timeline for pier project. 4 AsTheWorldTerns get crabby on the beach. 6

Demolished, forgotten. 8

Marine research at AME. 24 APRIL 11, 2018 FREE

VOLUME 26, NO. 24

Autopsy awaited in anchorage death. 3

Meetings

On the government calendar. 4

Op-Ed

The Islander editorial, reader letters. 6

10-20 YEARS AGO

From the archives. 7

Happenings

Community announcements, activities. 10-11

Make plans, save a date. 12-13 FISH leadership remains intact. 15 KMB calls for crackdown on causeway. 16 Holmes Beach committee preps dog park presentation. 18 Two cities tango with FPL. 19 Holmes Beach planners share vision. 21

Streetlife.

Farewell feathered friends. 25 Key Royale men’s golf champ crowned. 26

Inconsistent weather proves consistent on water. 27

PropertyWatch. 28

ISL BIZ

From rebranding to retirement. 30 CLASSIFIEDS. 32

The Best News on Anna Maria Island Since 1992

www.islander.org

New line in sand alters little for AMI beachgoers

By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Careful where you put the blanket on the sand after July 1, you might be trespassing. HB631 probably doesn’t mean much to many people, but its consequences may. It’s the number of the bill gov. Rick Scott signed into law March 30. The Possession of Real Property Act becomes effective July 1. The law states that beachfront property owners may declare as private the portion of their property on the sand to the mean high-tide line. But it may not signal the end for most beachgoers on Anna Maria Island. Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, says the law changes very little on the island. Erosion Control Lines — ECLs — will control where the new law is enforced. In 1992, the three island jurisdictions established a “permanent” ECL. The island ECL does not meander with the tide, it runs with the land for beach improvements. According to Hunsicker, this law established that anywhere beach renourishment has occurred on the island, the beach becomes public domain. It supersedes the

Beachfront properties stretch up the coastline on Anna Maria Island, where a mix of public accesses and private paths lead to the waterfront. After July 1, some property owners will be able to prohibit people from their beachfront, landward of the mean tide line. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law March 30. Islander Photo: Jack Elka Possession of Real Property Act. A challenge in 2010 led to the u.S. Supreme Court ruling that if taxpayer money is used to maintain sand on a beach, that sand is public. “Where renourishment has occurred, the beach is public domain. The law does not apply, that’s it,” Hunsicker said in a phone interview April 6.

BB dock contractor pushes job to June

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter There’s a big boating holiday on the horizon. But people planning to berth their boats Memorial Day weekend at the Historic Bridge Street Pier may be disappointed. The new floating dock at the pier, a replacement for a storm-damaged dock, was approved by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency in March 2017 but a year has passed and the dock is still awaited. The floating dock allows boaters to easily unload passengers no matter the tide — high or low — to access the tall deck of the pier. The latest schedule provided by contractor Technomarine of West Palm Beach to the city April 5 provides for completion of the dock June 29. This is the fourth schedule provided by Technomarine since the March 2017 approval. Additionally, the contractor submitted

photos of boxes with shipping labels indicating they are dock parts sent from Ronautica Marinas of Spain. The foreign manufacturer PLEASE SEE BB dOCK PAgE 5

“That’s a lot of Anna Maria Island. In the places where it hasn’t been done, the jury is still out on where those property rights fall,” Hunsicker continued. On the beach Robert Smith, a visitor from California, didn’t know about the new law as he tied up a hammock at a beachfront rental at 2905 PLEASE SEE BeaCH PAgE 2

Former AMI chamber president jailed

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Holmes Beach police arrested a former president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce for alleged child abuse. Deb Wing, 53, of Holmes Beach, was arrested at 11:56 p.m. April 4 following an argument in which she’d slapped a family member in the arm Wing and leg “so much” that Wing had to be restrained by another person, according to the reports from two HBPD officers. A witness told police the argument took place while the family member was in bed at the Harrington House Bed and Breakfast A photograph provided April 5 by Techno- Inn, 5626 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. marine to the CRA shows boxes the comPolice suggested a third-degree felony pany alleges contain parts from a manufac- charge of child abuse, although formal turer in Spain for the floating dock. PLEASE SEE Jailed PAgE 3

2 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

He said public beach access points would remain public — unaltered by the new law. “For courtesy’s sake, you should always set up from a vegetative line forward,” Hunsicker said of picking a spot on the beach. nesting season For owners considering staking their territory on the beach: Don’t even consider it during the May 1-Oct. 31 turtle nesting season. On Anna Maria Island, the beach must remain clear of obstacles at night. This includes keeping the beachfront free of “No trespassing” signs, stakes in the sand and ropes and bollards.

A beachfront rental property at 2905 Ave. F in Holmes Beach is roped off and barricaded, as well as marked with a “no beach access” sign April 2. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi ties will do with beach areas remains to be seen. At the Rod and Reel Resort on the north end in Anna Maria, owner Suzette Buchan said she uses moveable stanchions to mark their beach and kayak area. “Our property extends 30 feet into the water and we offer guests private beach space with our chairs, umbrellas and gear, while allowing walking privileges and respecting ordinances designed to protect native wildlife and fauna,” Buchan said April 3. Hunsicker also addressed the matter of “customary use” — the public’s historical use of dry, sandy areas of the beach — and the public’s right to continue the practice.

The beachfront at 77th Street in Holmes Beach is fenced-off and posted “private.” It includes a beach pavilion, reserved for private use only and, although the owner is not identified, it is believed to be Hugh Holmes Sr., father of Commissioner Judy Titsworth. The property was used in years past by a loosely organized “cabana club,” a group of neighbors who were allowed to park and access the beach.

Unique Pet Portraits

Composited images printed to stretched canvas

6HOƓHV Sunsets PRINTS FROM

BeaCH CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1 Ave. F in Holmes Beach. On the street side of the property, beachgoers already were not welcome to walk through the property to the sand. A “no beach access” sign was propped up against a tree and appeared to be an old addition to the yard. To the left, nautical ropes and floats cordoned off the property and a ladder laid sideways blocked access on the other side of the home. The homeowners already had taken matters into their own hands to keep people from trespassing to get to the gulf of Mexico. “I wasn’t aware of the law,” Smith said, after hanging the hammock. “Will that work?” At Smith’s rental on Avenue F, the beach was renourished and the sandy shoreline is public domain. But there’s no reason for the owner to give access to the beach on his property. Like others in so many beachfront rentals on AMI, Smith will come and go in a week or so. Owners of some beachfront rental homes may not step foot often on the beach at their properties. So will renters even care who lounges on the sand in front of the home? Will rental managers make trips to see anyone has intruded on the sand? Scott, according to news reports, said the law would protect landowners but give people access to enjoy the sun and sand. “The way the bill works is, you’re going to continue to have access to the beach, but we’re also going to protect property rights,” Scott said in a signing statement. The state of Florida estimates that 60 percent of the state’s beach property is privately owned. Sandy Zinck, general manager at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, said April 3 the Waterline’s beach area at Mainsail Beach Inn, 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, is currently not privatized. It also is a renourished beach that is accessible at the terminus of 66th Street. “We’ve had no discussions at this time about making it private. The law has huge implications. It could change Anna Maria Island,” Zinck suggested. What other local condominiums and motel proper-

THE ISLANDER n April 11, 2018 n 3

BBPD investigation continues into anchorage death

By Kathy Prucnell Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach Police Department is awaiting word from the District 2 Medical Examiner on whether a man found floating in Sarasota Bay likely drowned. A liveaboard boater, Brandon Nieuwkoop, 52, died the afternoon of March 31 after he was pulled from Sarasota Bay south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach by fellow boaters. Nieuwkoop “If they say he had water in his lungs, I’m going with he drowned,” Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz said about pending medical examiner reports. the boat and no trauma to Nieuwkoop’s body. But, if there’s no water in his lungs, Diaz added, At the time of his death, Nieuwkoop lived alone Nieuwkoop’s death may require further assessment. on a cabin cruiser in the bay between the pier and Fifth Police report there were no signs of foul play on and Sixth streets south, according to BBPD Officer Jailed continued from page 1 charges are pending review by the 12th Circuit State Attorney. Wing reported the family member missing from the inn, where they reside, at 11:10 p.m., and Officer Mike Walker and Sgt. Brian Copeman responded at 11:12 p.m., according to their reports. The witness told police the argument occurred about an hour before police were called. While police were interviewing Wing, the witness to the incident located the subject in a parking garage at a nearby condominium. Another family member was contacted to take the subject, according to reports. Wing began working for the chamber in 2009 and served as the chamber president May 2015 to December 2017. In asking The Islander to have the article and her mug shot withheld, Wing disputed she is a public figure on Anna Maria Island. “Not anymore,” she said. In a text received April 7 from Wing, she states

SUNSET CRUISES

JOIN US on the flagship ANNA MARIA EXPLORER for fun and educational dolphin tours!

PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE

ll ages

or a Great f

Premier wildlife tour through the pristine Intracoastal Waterways of Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound. A fully narrated 90-minute adventure. This is a great tour for the family to learn about dolphins, wildlife and our unique island! HINS.COM GO2DOLP

Eric Hill, who patrols the anchorage. Hill reported nothing out of the ordinary on the boat after he was pronounced dead. Mark Hill, Barb Maldonado and Crystal Nimmons found Nieuwkoop unconscious in the water just before noon, while traversing in a dinghy to their boat, which was anchored next to Nieuwkoop’s boat. The group brought him to within about 20 feet of the dock at Bridge Tender Inn, where the dinghy capsized and others, including EMS, rushed to help. Hill and Maldonado told The Islander they saw Nieuwkoop apparently in good condition on his boat less than 30 minutes before finding him unconscious. Nieuwkoop had a history of seizures, according to police reports.

“DCF is closing the case after talking to (the victim) … and removing it from the record.” At press time, The Islander was unable to confirm details with either the Florida Department of Children and Families or the state attorney’s office. It would, however, be up to the SAO to review the case and file charges. DCF oversees the safety of the minor. “In Manatee County, all child protection investigations are conducted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, not DCF,” according to Natalie Harrell, communications director, SunCoast Region Florida Department of Children and Families. After Wing’s arrest, she was transported to and booked at the Manatee County jail. Wing posted a $500 bond and was released, according to the jail website. Wing’s arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 4, Officer Eric Hill, who patrols the anchorage in at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Bradenton Beach, points to the boat where Brandon Ave. W., Bradenton. Nieuwkoop lived.

DOLPHIN TOURS

TOURS LEAVE DAILY! 11 AM, 2 PM and SUNSET Adult: $30 Kids: $20 Seniors/Military: $25

LEFT: Brandon Nieuwkoop lived on the cabin cruiser with a lion fish emblem anchored in Bradenton Beach south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Islander Photos: Kathy Prucnell

TOURS DOLPHIN he on t ER EXPLOR IA R A M ANNA OFF ADULT $5

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE TODAY! 941.778.2288

GO2DOLPHINS.COM

BB MARINA, 402 CHURCH AVE., BRADENTON BEACH

4 n April 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria reviews pier rebuild, permit schedule

By Bianca Benedí Islander Reporter Work on the Anna Maria City Pier should begin in May. In a commission meeting April 3, Jay Saxena, vice president of Ayres Associates, the engineering firm in charge of rebuilding the pier, delivered details of a timeline for the project. The planks should be removed on or about May 15. The timeline anticipates demolition to begin in early May and to be complete by early September. Ayres received its demolition permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers March 7 and expects to receive a construction permit by July 31. Work on the platform is expected to begin in late August and work on the restaurant is set to begin in April 2019. A seagrass study requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is set to start at the beginning of May, and is required before construction. Saxena said NOAA is working with Ayres to move the date to May 11 instead of June, when it would normally be scheduled, to coincide with the season for seagrasses to be most fully in bloom. Ayres has scheduled when it will issue requests for proposals for crews to perform the work. A demolition RFP will be issued April 20. A platform construction RFP will go out June 1 and a restaurant construction RFP is scheduled for Aug. 1. The firm has yet to set dates for when it will order and receive materials for construction. All work should be completed by December 2019, according to Ayres. Commissioner Brian Seymour asked Saxena April 3 how sure he was the pier could go back up if they tore it down. “There’s no reason they wouldn’t let us do it,” Saxena said, pointing out the existing pier poses a public safety hazard. Saxena said the Army Corps is thankful that the city is going through the permitting process to repair the pier, noting that the pier had previously been constructed and repaired without permits or studies. “We would really have to do some toe dancing with the Army Corps to be able to keep it,” Mayor Dan Murphy said.

Commission chooses pier siding

It’s Kebony, again. In a split vote, Anna Maria commissioners decided April 3 to proceed with Kebony for the future siding on the buildings at the T-end of the city pier. Kebony is created with pine and modified to perform like mahogany or teak, tropical hardwoods that last longer. Commissioners Brian Seymour and Doug Copeland voted against Kebony. Commissioners Carol Carter, Amy Tripp and Dale

wanted to add railings to the design. “People seem to be divided on it,” he said. Sissy Quinn, a resident of Anna Maria and head of a preservation group, said she preferred no railing, adding most people would feel it would less resemble the old pier. Commissioners voted 5-0 against railing, but asked Murphy to look into raising the curb — toe boards on the edge of the walkway and T-end.

Anna Maria Commissioners Carol Carter and Brian Seymour April 3 examine samples of the Kebony and HardiePlank wood considered for the buildings on the city pier. Islander Photo: Bianca Benedí Woodland voted in favor. The commission voted in March to use Kebony for the pier’s decking as well. The material comes with a 30-year warranty. For side paneling, Kebony runs $8.50 a square foot. Material costs for 5,000 square feet are $42,500. Jay Saxena of Ayres Associates, the engineering firm contracted to design and build the pier, and Barron Schimberg of the architectural firm, Schimberg Group, presented Kebony and other options April 3 in a meeting to finish selections for the building. Other options cost less than Kebony. HardiePlank, at $1.25 per square foot, was the least expensive option. Schimberg said the material should be painted unless ordered in a preferred color, but it is durable. Beveled cedar costs $2.50 a square foot and cypress select runs $6.30 per square foot. Schimberg said cedar and cypress do not come with warranties, but they are durable materials that weather well. However, Commissioner Doug Copeland said he did not think cypress or cedar would be as durable as HardiePlank. He said he built window shutters for his home 20 years ago with cypress select and HardiePlank. “The (HardiePlank) board looks like the day I put it up,” Copeland said. He also brought a sample of decayed cypress from his shutters. Most of the cypress he used is still in good shape, he said, but some is rotting. He advocated for the use of HardiePlank, pointing out it is cheaper than Kebony and still provides durability. Schimberg said the aesthetics of HardiePlank will be “flatter” and resemble concrete. Selecting siding for the restaurant and bait buildings was the final decision for the city commission to make on construction materials, Saxena said. Mayor Dan Murphy asked commissioners if they A rendering of the proposed design for the Anna Maria City Pier looking landward shows a slightly altered floor plan to accommodate more storage inside the bait shop and restaurant. Islander Courtesy Photo: The Schimberg Group

The Anna Maria City Pier bait shop lost its roof in September 2017 to Hurricane Irma, among other damages. The restaurant fared well, but the facility now awaits demolition in May. Islander File Photo: Jack Elka

Input provided by pier tenant Some changes were made to the floor plan to accommodate requests by pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder, Schimberg said. In a March meeting, Schimberg proposed opening up the restaurant by installing sliding-glass doors and windows along the back wall, so the restaurant could be opened for a breeze. However, Schimberg said Schoenfelder retained only a sliding-glass door on the inside wall, for servers to go in and out. He also requested clear plastic curtains along the edge of the roofing that could be dropped during inclement weather so customers could remain seated outside. The bait shop would be redesigned to include sliding-glass windows, as well as boundaries redrawn to provide more storage space. The kitchen also would be expanded for more prep space. Schimberg said he was meeting with Schoenfelder April 9 to go over more design options, including altering the ceiling to improve acoustics.

Meetings Anna Maria City • April 12, 6 p.m., commission. • April 26, 6 p.m., commission. Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 941708-6130, cityofannamaria.com. Bradenton Beach • April 12, 1 p.m., department heads. • April 19, noon, city commission. • April 24, 1 p.m., city commission. Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 941-778-1005, cityofbradentonbeach.org. Holmes Beach • April 12, 6 p.m., city commission. • April 13, 6 p.m., Holmes Beach Police Department community forum and tour. • April 16, 1 p.m., form of government committee. • April 19, 10:30 a.m., code enforcement forum. • April 24, 6 p.m., city commission. • April 26 6 p.m., city commission. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 941-708-5800, holmesbeachfl.org. West Manatee Fire Rescue • April 17, 6 p.m., commission. • May 18, 6 p.m., commission. WMFR administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, wmfr.org. Manatee County • April 24, 9 a.m., county commission. Administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4501, mymanatee.org. Of interest • April 16, Manatee County Tourist Development Council, Holmes Beach City Hall. • April 18, 1 p.m., Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall. • April 23, 9:30 a.m., Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, Holiday InnSarasota Bradenton International Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. Send notices to calendar@islander.org and news@islander.org.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 5

BB dOCK CONTINuED FROM PAgE 1 was never discussed between the CRA or the city and Technomarine. Initially, Technomarine representatives said onsite work on the dock would begin in September 2017. The company received the city’s deposit of $29,995 in April 2017 and another payment of $23,996 in August 2017. In October 2017, then-Technomarine employee Ben Talbert wrote in an email to pier committee chair Police Chief Sam Speciale that the docks were in production and would “ship in a few weeks.” Then, in December 2017, Technomarine director of operations Anna Bennett cited a “ripple effect in the industry” caused by a busy hurricane season as cause for the delay. Another schedule was provided in February specifying Technomarine would “mobilize into site” by March 23 with completion by April 30. At the April 4 Bradenton Beach pier team meeting, Speciale said he received calls from other contractors interested in building the dock, but he said he won’t speak with them while under contract with Technomarine. He said he is frustrated with the delays and lack of communication, but if the CRA — the agency with oversight in the historic district — opts to have the city attorney draft a letter to Technomarine, the company likely will cease communication with the city and stop work on the dock. “If we lawyer up, they won’t talk to us anymore,” Speciale said April 4. Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours, which operates on the pier per a lease with Anna Maria

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices and photographs with detailed captions — along with complete contact information to news@islander.org.

To Beaches

Manatee Ave. W

Palma Sola Bay

Cortez Rd. W To Beaches

75th St. W

Pa lm

ola

Blv d.

34th Ave. W

The gangplank at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach formerly served as a bridge between the pier and the floating dock that was removed following Tropical Storm Emily in July 2017. Paradise Boat Tours owner Sherman Baldwin is considering a move to load and unload his passengers at the gangplank. Islander File Photo Oyster Bar, relied on the previous floating dock for his boat tours. He is planning to launch a 149-passenger water taxi between Bradenton Beach and downtown Bradenton and Sarasota locations, which is dependent on the new dock. According to Baldwin, the boat is ready to launch, but will not be released by lenders until the dock locations are cleared for use by all three cities, and Bradenton Beach is the stumbling block. He said in light of the previously unfulfilled schedules, he is skeptical the dock will be ready by the end of June. And, he said, he stands to lose the venture he has been working on for more than two years. “If my bank and investors don’t believe I can be running for the 2019 season, they will pull out,” Baldwin said. Baldwin said, pending commission approval, he plans to hire and pay a contractor to determine if he can run his water taxi from the gangplank that connects the pier to the floating dock. The gangplank is still in place on the south side of

the pier. At a CRA meeting following the April 4 pier team meeting, the board voted to direct Cole, with the attorney’s assistance, to write a letter to Technomarine president Jat Talton regarding the company’s progress. “Hopefully we can just get a dock without a legal battle,” Cole said. In the letter to Talton April 5, Cole said the dock is part of a long-term plan to expand the pier facilities for boaters and bring more tourism to the area — a project for which Technomarine could submit a bid. Additionally, Cole requested the deadline be moved to June 1 to avoid hurricane season. “In January 2017, we anticipated that the project would have been completed last year, but understandably the 2017 hurricane season caused delays all around the state and we would like to avoid those problems this year,” Cole wrote. “I want to think this is a legitimate company that just got behind because of matters out of their control,” Cole said April 5. “I’d rather go the high road and encourage them to come through for us. At this point, it’s all we can do.”

6 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Opinion

Our

Whose beach is it?

If you spend any time on the beaches, you’ve heard the question. Who owns the beach? What is public and what is private? How do we access the public portion of the beach? With a new law defining beach property rights going into effect in July, I hope we can get the answers — and get them right. From what seems like many thousand years ago, I recall an example. In the mid-1970s, I resided on 10th Street North in Bradenton Beach with two small kids, where a friend came with her child to visit the beach. We had plans to let the kids romp in the water and build sandcastles while we soaked up the sun. We accessed the beach at a street end that was marked for public access. We sat on the waterline where the waves lapped at our white bed sheet on the sand. The kids were having fun in the water when a Bradenton Beach police officer approached and told us — in no uncertain terms and with one hand resting on his gun and the other resting on other gear in his massive belt — to get off the beach. “It’s private.” The very brief discussion between us and the cop ended when he asked if we’d like to surrender the kids, go to jail, hire lawyers and fight in court. Well, maybe yes, but she was pregnant and the outcome was not promising for anyone under his terms. So maybe you can see by this 40-year-old example, that misunderstandings of private vs. public beach can lead to bad outcomes. We should have been left to enjoy the beach but the police officer was asserting his muscle. You have to decide for yourself if the fight against ignorance of “private beach” is worthwhile. For me, the beach should be accessible. I don’t think anyone wants to join a backyard barbecue without an invitation, but a seat in the sand and a walk on the shore should be free and open to all. No bollards, no hokey ropes, no pillars and no Riding along on AMI signs. I had to make a hardware store purchase recently. Just a beautiful, seemingly never-ending beach. The rules may be changing, but I hope, at least on To make the trip, I chose my bike instead of the car. Riding along Palm/Marina drive was out of the Anna Maria Island, we can agree to share the beach. question because left turns are just not practical during Because here, the erosion control line is not arbithe season. trary. It is defined and platted. I rode via Holmes Boulevard, on the nice new Let’s play nice in the sand. — Bonner Joy pavement. Pedestrians pushing strollers said hello. I waved at a few dog walkers. I rang my bicycle bell in courtesy to golf carts. Yes, I even waved at a few cars. The scenario was idyllic. I continued southbound via Second Avenue to shop APRIL 11, 2018 • Vol. 26, No. 24 at Publix. The state of Maine does not have the only ▼ Publisher and Editor right to the slogan, “The way life should be.” Bonner Joy, news@islander.org ▼ Editorial Anna Maria Island has changed dramatically from Lisa Neff, copy editor 30 years ago. Yes, the weather is still the same, but Sandy Ambrogi, sandy@islander.org the purpose is different. It then was a community of Bianca Benedí, bianca@islander.org Joe Bird, editorial cartoonist residents with weekenders from inland getting away Kevin Cassidy, kevin@islander.org from their daily jobs. Jack Elka, jack@jackelka.com ChrisAnn Silver Esformes, chrisann@islander.org There was very little mid-day traffic. Terry O’Connor, terryo@islander.org Today the people you see and talk to are pretty Kathy Prucnell, kathyp@islander.org much short-term vacationers enjoying what should be Ed Scott, edscott@islander.org ▼ Contributors enjoyed. Jesse Brisson The island is better — better infrastructure, nice Karen Riley-Love shiny residences, mostly rentals though, nice places to Capt. Danny Stasny, fish@islander.org ▼ Advertising Director eat and relax — and perhaps it is safer. Toni Lyon, toni@islander.org There is a potential here to make the island even ▼ Office Staff Lisa Williams, manager better. The island trolley is awesome. The Monkey Bus Jennifer Powell is awesome. The proposed bike/pedestrian route is an accounting@islander.org opportunity that should not be missed for the sake of classifieds@islander.org subscriptions@islander.org “Who will pay for this?” ▼ Distribution Meanwhile, folks in a hurry want to skip the line of Urbane Bouchet traffic and divert through the neighborhoods. Holmes Judy Loden Wasco Ross Roberts Boulevard, Second Avenue, through parking lots. As (All others: news@islander.org) you see it, you dodge it. The bike-walk proposals will preserve the island Single copies free. Quantities of ﬁve or more: 25 cents each. ©1992-2018 • Editorial, sales and production offices: character that makes Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach FL 34217 and Anna Maria what they are today. WEBSITE: www.islander.org Bart Bartelsman, Holmes Beach PHONE 941-778-7978 toll-free fax 1-866-362-9821

Opinion

Your

Seat at city hall

Being a longtime Holmes Beach resident, I have often voiced my concerns about the various problems afflicting our little island. My efforts usually have fallen on deaf ears, particularly as they pertain to regulation of traffic, increased control over transients and a new pier. One voice is finally getting the attention he has deserved for so many years. My neighbor and friend Kim Rash has been tireless in his efforts to restore a sense of community to Holmes Beach. To those of us on Holmes Boulevard, he is a hero. He walks and talks with the residents daily and takes their concerns directly to city hall on a regular basis. Is there anyone else looking out for us? He has hosted many, many breakfasts with the local politicians, where locals can hear and exchange ideas for the betterment of Holmes Beach. Maybe its time for him to get a different seat at that table. I’ll surely vote for him if he wants to pursue a city government position. Bob McCaffrey, Holmes Beach

Platform welcome

The new nesting platform installed at the tennis courts on Flotilla Drive at 62nd Street in Holmes Beach is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I received a lot of calls and notes in support of my recent letter to the editor supporting our feathered friends and bemoaning the loss of their habitat by human hands. On behalf of the many people who love the ospreys, I’d like to say thank you to The Islander and Manatee County for caring enough to bring it to our attention and make things right. Janet Aubry, Holmes Beach

Visit www.islander.org for the best news on AMI.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 7

Holmes Beach Police Dept. schedules night forum

10&20 years ago

The day shift has had its turn. The night shift is up next. The Holmes Beach Police Department scheduled a community forum for 6 p.m. Friday, April 13, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Police Chief Bill Tokajer invited residents, visitors, leaders and elected officials to attend. Hot dogs, burgers and refreshments will be offered courtesy of The Islander and the Chief’s grill Team at the conclusion of the event, which includes a tour of the HBPD facilities. Topics will include crime response, arrest data, active shooters, the Neighborhood Watch program, golf carts versus low-speed vehicles, residential security and all HBPD community outreach programs. The HBPD scheduled the night forum after conducting a similar daytime program in March. — Terry O’Connor

Have your say

The Islander accepts original letters of up to 250 words and reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters must include name, address and a contact phone number (for verification). Email: news@ islander.org. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Readers also may comment on stories online where The Islander has 2,500+ registered users. Also, The Islander has an active — 11,000+ likes — Facebook community. To join the conversation, “like” The Islander on Facebook.

In the headlines: April 8, 1998

• Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to authorize filing for a grant from the Florida Communities Trust to buy a former schoolhouse and surrounding property in Cortez. • Holmes Beach commissioners agreed to change the city’s method of determining how many parking spaces were needed for restaurants. The owner of Marina Bay restaurant sought the change. • Bradenton Beach was completing the installation of decorative streetlights along Bridge Street, part of a $500,000 streetscape improvement project funded four years earlier.

In the headlines: April 9, 2008

Dance class

Anna Maria Elementary principal Jim Kronus celebrates island living and learning at a school luau in 1979. Kronus retired in 1998. He was The Islander of the year in 1998. This photo and many other historical images can be found in “Images of America: Anna Maria Island” by Islander publisher Bonner Joy. Islander Courtesy Photo You can peruse The Islander newspaper archive, dating back to its launch in November 1992, at ufdc.ufl.edu.

WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

We’d love to mail you the news!

• The headline read, “Open for business: pier signs going up.” Bradenton Beach’s city pier team celebrated the arrival of a new sign — now referred to as an old and historic sign — at the renovated Historic Bridge Street Pier and prepared for the installation of a second sign. • The Holmes Beach Police Department marked Founder’s Day in the city with the unveiling of a sign for the Officer Pete Lannon Skate Park on Marina Drive. Lannon, who died in 2007, had been the school resource officer at Anna Maria Elementary. • Members of Save Anna Maria Inc. decided not to pursue a proposed merger with a larger nonprofit group, ManaSota-88. The issue didn’t require a vote. SAM’s president raised the topic at a meeting, asked about pursuing it and, when no one responded, moved to the next agenda item. The issue archives for The Islander can be found online ufdc.ufl.edu. Archived stories can be found online at islander.org.

YOUR COMPLETE CASUAL FURNITURE STORE

We mail the islander weekly for a nominal $54 per year. We also offer online e-edition subscriptions — a page-by-page view of the weekly news for only $36 per year, but you must sign up online. It’s the best way to stay in touch with what’s happening on Anna Maria Island. We bring you all the news about three city governments, community happenings, people features and special events … even real estate transactions … everything you need if your “heart is on Anna Maria Island.” If you don’t live here year-round, use this form to subscribe by (snail) mail for yourself or someone else. (Sorry, we do not suspend mail subscriptions — you get The Islander free while you’re here!)

BULK MAIL U.S. SUBSCRIPTION (allow 2 weeks for every week’s delivery) ❑ 1 year: $54

❑ 3-6 Months: $36

❑ 1-3 Months: $24

We offer Rattan and Wicker tropical-style indoor and outdoor furniture, for island and coastal looks.

U.S. FIRST CLASS AND CANADIAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION ❑ 3-6 Months: $98 ❑ 1-3 Months: $54 ❑ 1 year: $160 ❑ Single Issue: $5 FIRST CLASS MAIL, U.S. ONLY, maximum four weeks MAIL TO: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ STATE __________ ZIP _________________ Credit card: ❏ d

❏ u No.

___________________________________________

Name shown on card: _____________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Credit card billing address: ______________________________________________ MAIL START DATE: _____________________________________________________

THE BEST NEWS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND — SINCE 1992

UÊ iÀ V> >`iÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊÊUÊ ÕÃÌ Ê"À`iÀÃÊ7i V i UÊ > ÞÊ"Ü i`ÊEÊ"«iÀ>Ìi`ÊÊUÊ ` ÀÊEÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ7 V iÀ

SPECIAL ISLANDER OFFER!

$50 OFF any purchase of $500 or more $100 OFF any purchase of $1,000 or more

3218 E. Bay Drive • Holmes Beach FL 34217

*WITH THIS AD. Not valid with any other offer or prior purchases. Expires 04-18-18

CHARGE BY PHONE 941.778.7978 ONLINE (secure server) www.islander.org E-MAIL subscriptions@islander.org

6807 14TH ST. W., BRADENTON (across from Alex Karras Lincoln)

VISIT OUR 8,000+ SF SHOWROOM {£ Çxx äÓÎxÊUÊÜÜÜ°yÊ À `> i> `«>Ì °V

8 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach falters on new pier at Manatee Public Beach By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The demolished Manatee Public Beach pier has gone from beloved landmark to historical question mark. It is gone, probably forever, according to city and county officials, but not forgotten. Mayor Bob Johnson said he isn’t sure why the structure lost its cache with the Holmes Beach Commission, which voted unanimously March 1 not to resurrect the 300-foot-long pier on the gulf of Mexico at the Manatee Titsworth Public Beach. “There’s been a shift in demographics,” Johnson said. “You have fewer people living here regularly and more people living here daily and weekly than there used to be.” In voting down the pier, commisWhitmore sioners said they weren’t interested in building such a large structure on the beach, the mayor said. “The nature of the old pier was a low groin,” Johnson said. “That’s another issue.” Resident Beverly Neville pleaded March 27 for commissioners to ask the public whether the structure should be rebuilt. Neville said few people in Holmes Beach, if any, knew city commissioners would reject rebuilding the pier. The pier is on a county-maintained beach, not a city beach, Neville reminded the commission. Holmes Beach Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said she would “have no problem with a survey” of island residents on the issue. But support is scant, she added. “I don’t know why,” Titsworth said. “It’s not going to be the same pier we’ve always loved. It would have to be huge under today’s rules.” The city commission vote was spurred by a query

The Manatee Public Beach pier on the Gulf of Mexico undergoes demolition in 2009. It was built as an erosion control groin in the 1960s and was popular with beachgoers and fishers. Islander File Photo from Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a former Holmes Beach mayor and commissioner who asked if her hometown wanted help with funding to rebuild the pier. Whitmore said she was following through on a promise made by the county to the city and citizens to rebuild the pier. “I have only had a very few people who live there now that want it,” Whitmore said. “Most of the support is from old-timers who don’t live there anymore.” Whitmore said she believed it appropriate to solicit a policy decision from the Holmes Beach commissioners regarding the pier. She was saddened and surprised by the negative response, she said. Whitmore once sought to have the pier named for a popular lifeguard at the beach, Mike Miller. Whitmore’s request was unexpected, Titsworth said. “It’s a county thing,” Titsworth said. “I’m sur-

WMFR arranges sale of administrative building

After a year on the market, West Manatee Fire Rescue’s administrative building is being sold to a local charter school. Commissioners unanimously authorized a $1.675 million contract April 4 to sell the building at 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, to Oasis Middle School Inc. Closing costs remain to be negotiated. WMFR will transfer ownership of the building by May 31, according to the contract, and will rent a 3,100 square foot space in the second floor of the office of the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W, Bradenton. The current administrative building has more than 11,000 square feet of space, of which WMFR used approximately 4,000 square feet. Edna Fields-Bailey, the school founder and director, addressed commissioners April 4. “We’re excited about this opportunity,” she said, adding that the school currently operates at the unity Church in the Woods at 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton.

Crash

A 2006 Honda SUV collided with a truck from Wentzel’s Heating and Air of Sarasota at 5 p.m. April 2 on 76th Street at Palm Drive in Holmes Beach. The motorist in the Honda allegedly ran a stop sign, striking the truck. EMS responded and transported both drivers to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, where they were treated for their injuries and released. Islander Courtesy Photo: HBPD

Fields-Bailey said her school serves about 120 students in sixthto eighth-grades. She said parents would describe the school as “strict and orderly,” with an emphasis on a small learning environment and discipline. Commissioner Randy Cooper said the administrative building had served WMFR’s purpose, lasting through station remodels and reorganization. “It’s time to pass it on,” he

said. The sale will allow WMFR to retire an $850,000 note on the building. The district will have no more debt after the note is paid, Commissioner george Harris noted. Harris thanked Commissioner Al Robinson for advocating for the sale, noting it leaves the district in a better financial position. The next commission meeting will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. — Bianca Benedí

prised she approached a seated city commission.” The once-popular Holmes Beach pier was closed for good after an engineer’s report deemed it unsafe in February 2009. Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved a proposal March 3, 2009, by county natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker to replace the failing structure with a new pier — jutting farther into the gulf and taller. The closing was unpopular but not unprecedented. Tourists and residents complained about losing an ideal spot for walking beyond the shoreline over the water, enjoying sunsets or fishing in the deeper water of the gulf of Mexico, but the pier had been closed before and rebuilding it seemed a foregone conclusion. The pier also was closed to pedestrians in fall 2006 out of concern for eroding structural supports. The 18-foot-wide pier reopened to foot traffic in spring 2007, but the area under and around the pier remained closed to swimming. After the pier was closed again two years later, plans to rebuild were devised. According to The Islander’s archives, the county commission at the time fully intended to replace the pier. The city commission and public support ran in favor of a new pier. Reconstruction costs were estimated by Hunsicker at $1.5 million to $2.5 million plus $100,000 in planning and permitting fees. He said it would take about five months to secure permits and another six months for construction. Hunsicker projected at the time the new pier could be ready by January 2010. Whitmore, chair of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, said at the time the TDC could provide $1.4 million and county revenues would cover the rest. It didn’t work out that way. Momentum stalled as funding was more difficult to find than expected following the Great Recession. The county commissioners voted to replace the pier, but a 2010 county permit to rebuild expired without action in 2015. Nearly a decade after the pier was closed, all reconstruction plans have failed. The pier remains a memory unlikely to be reassembled after the latest rejection by the city commission. “It just seems as if all the support to rebuild the pier has gone away,” Titsworth said.

Roadwatch

Eyes on the road

The Florida Department of Transportation posted the following notices for the week of April 9: • State Road 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64/Manatee Avenue to SR 684/Cortez Road: Manatee County crews are replacing force mains. Through April 30, directional drilling and installation of a force main will be underway along gulf Drive between 26th Street North and 28th Street North. Traffic will be shifted to the west on gulf Drive to allow for construction activities. Also, installation of a 6-inch water main is underway along Avenue C from 24th Street North to 26th Street North. Crews will be installing services across Avenue C, working from west to east and northward from gulf Drive to 26th Street North. Intermediate road closures will be in place. The southbound exit from Avenue C onto gulf Drive is temporarily closed — open only in the northbound direction to local and emergency traffic between gulf Drive and 22nd Street North. For more information about the project, go online to amipipereplacement.com. • SR 64/Manatee Avenue on Perico Island from Martinique Drive to 107th Court West: Crews are improving drainage, constructing sidewalk and bicycle lanes, and installing new signage and pavement markings. Work occurs off the roadway and does not require lane closures. Florida Safety Contractors Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 2018. For the latest road watch information, go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.

THE ISLANDER n April 11, 2018 n 9

O V ER LO O K IN G ANN A M AR IA SO UN D

Live the Lifestyle at One Particular Harbour

Introducing One Particular Getaway

â&#x20AC;˘ 3 days/2 nights in a waterfront home at One Particular Harbour â&#x20AC;˘ Full access to resort recreation â&#x20AC;˘ Use of Margaritaville beach cruiser during your stay â&#x20AC;˘ And more!

Only $229*

Purchase a One Particular Harbour home and your trip is on us!*

A nna Mari â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vote d To a Island p 10 B each

Sunset V ie

Marina, Dining & Enter tainment

MOVE-IN READY WATERFRONT RESIDENCES FROM THE HIGH $400s Sheltered from the wind, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a private island paradise waiting for you to come ashore... where LVODQG VW\OHG UHVLGHQFHV RÎ? HU VWXQQLQJ VXQVHW YLHZV D GHHSZDWHU PDULQD SURYLGHV GLUHFW DFFHVV WR WKH Gulf of Mexico, and dockside dining and boat drinks are served with a license to chill. Hurry, before this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity sails away!

Brand New Vacation Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Short-Term Rental Opportunity â&#x20AC;˘ Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Last Private Island

For more information, call today! 888-508-4680 | OPHMintoUSA.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 *Price excludes taxes. Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 at closing. Purchase must be made within 90 days of One Particular Getaway visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required. The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed, but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, speciďŹ cations, prices and features depicted by artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ÂŠ Minto Communities, LLC 2018. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 4/2018.

10 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Come scratch up a deal! Flea Market, Treasures & Collectibles

Island happenings Garden club to stage fashion show

8-? Sunday April 15 Rader’s Reef 5508 Marina Drive Holmes Beach

The Anna Maria garden Club will stage a fashion show noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Irene’s Resort Wear is providing the fashions for models. The afternoon will include a luncheon and raffles. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call Charlotte Noyes at 941-778-6758.

TERRA’S

Handmade Sterling Jewelry

NOW OPEN at our new location! 714 43rd St. W • Bradenton Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4

941.779.5350

We want to captain your next adventure!

Call 1-833-LETS-FLY Visit LETSFLY.info

Take some AMI home! We have Islander “old navy” coffee mugs! Shopping totes! T-shirts! And $2 AMI stickers!

GET YOURS @ The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, HB AMI Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best Business of the Year

Visitors to the De Soto National Memorial in northwest Bradenton Saturday, April 14, will see a reenactment of the landing of La Florida at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Islander Photo: Courtesy De Soto Memorial

National memorial stages reenactments April 14

The De Soto National Memorial will recreate the landing of Hernando de Soto at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Spain’s De Soto landed on the shores of Florida 479 years ago and began a quest that would change the fate of the native people of North America and the explorers and conquerors arriving to the continent. In addition to a reenactment of the landing, visitors to the national memorial in Bradenton will see weapons of the time and demonstrations and hear accounts of the clashes between the Spaniards and the tribes of the Southeast. Admission is free. De Soto National Memorial is at 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. For more information, call the visitor’s center at 941-792-0458.

Music on the Porch session set

The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, presents Music on the Porch the second Saturday of the month. The next date for the jam session will be Saturday, April 14, with music beginning about 2 p.m. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-7086120.

Longboat chapel serving Italian dinner

Senior Adventures plan Whimsy tour, Yummy lunch

Senior Adventures will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 13, at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, to depart for Sarasota. Senior Adventures — a group of older adults that meets most Fridays for an adventure — will take a van ride to Sarasota, where a lunch is planned at Yummy House restaurant, known for dim sum, and a tour is set for the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy, known for delightful displays. For more information or to RSVP, call Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

Family fun walk beneﬁts homeless program

LECOM Park in Bradenton will be the site of the annual Walk a Mile in their Shoes benefit for Turning Points. The organization works to end homelessness. An announcement said Turning Points is a “onestop shop for preventing and ending homelessness in our community.” The nonprofit provides employment services, rental and utility assistance, medical and dental care and also hot showers, laundry service and food. The walk around the ballfield will begin at 11 a.m., after registration at 9 a.m. Organizers plan children’s activities and refreshments. Walkers — the first 1,000 — will receive a ticket to a Bradenton Marauders game. Registration is $10 and sponsorship is $250. LECOM Park is at 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. For more information, call Turning Points at 941-747-1509.

The Longboat Island Chapel will serve the Arrivederci Italian Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11. The dinner is a farewell to snowbirds heading north after the season on Longboat Key. The dinner will be prepared by chef Tom Reese, assisted by Cindy Kuehnel. The menu will include meatballs and sausage sauce and pasta. The chapel is at 6200 gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For more information or tickets, call the church office at 941-383-6491.

full service salon and spa oﬀering… Hair ~ Nails ~ Massage ~ Facials Acupuncture ~ Body Treatments ~ Bikini and Brazilian Waxing ~ 3612 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941.778.0400 313 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, 941.778.0500

.

Click!

watercolor exhibit opens on Pine

Anne Abgott’s “Queso” is on display in the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society’s “Transparent Exhibit” at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The exhibit continues through May 5. For more information, call Barbara Schwartz at 914-572-7777.

Get listed: Send Island Happenings announcements and calendar listings to news@islander.org. The deadline is the Wednesday prior to the publication date. The deadline for the April 25 issue is April 18.

Island happenings

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 11 WATCH BANDS • WATCH BATTERIES • SERVICE/REPAIRS

40% OFF

Museum hosts lecture on sailing vessels

Final seasonal ArtWalk set for downtown Holmes Beach

The final ArtWalk of the 2018 season will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, at various venues in downtown Holmes Beach. Participating art galleries and shops include Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Restless Natives, Artists’ guild of Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Island Art League, Island gallery West and SteamDesigns. Each location will feature special exhibits and offer refreshments and some will host artist demonstrations and musical entertainment. Offerings include: Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, 5325 Marina Drive, will exhibit art by Anne Abgott in the lobby. Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive, will showcase work by local artists. Artists’ guild gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, will feature the work of artist Judy Strom. The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., will exhibit the work of AMIAL students past and present in “Progression of Art.” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, will exhibit work by oil painter Jeffrey Sanchez. SteamDesigns, 5343 gulf Drive, Suite 600, will exhibit “Lured In,” a collection of paintings by Joyce Lazzara. For more information, call or visit any of the participating venues.

All pre-owned ROLEX!

Ladies and Gents -- 2-year service warranty, box and papers

The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez will host a lecture Wednesday, April 18, on the topic of “sailing vessels of Pensacola’s red snapper industry.” Nicole grinnan from the Florida Public Archaeology Network will talk about fishing after the Civil War, how the red snapper industry flourished near Pensacola and the sailing vessels on the waterfront. Admission is free. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For more information, call FMM at 941-7086120.

33 YEARS IN BRADENTON! 8110 CORTEZ RD. W. Tue-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 • ATM & CCs • 941-798-9585

Chamber’s food truck fest to roll into Coquina Beach

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will cruise into Coquina Beach Saturday, April 14, for the annual Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival. The festival will open at 10 a.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The chamber is lining up musical talent and arts and crafts vendors, planning a kids fun zone and a classic car show until 3 p.m. and there’s a guarantee of food truck fare. The menu will include grilled hot dogs, pasta, pizza, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, meatball sliders, caprese panini, muffuletta sandwiches, lobster rolls, crabcake sliders, coconut shrimp, tacos, pitas, barbecue, shaved ice, smoothies, lemonade and adult beverages. The entertainment lineup will include emcee and singer-songwriter Mike Sales, Tropicool at 10:30 a.m., Renegade at 1 p.m., SoulRcoaster at 3:30 p.m. and the Karen & Jimmy Band at 6 p.m. “There’s no better way to celebrate the Anna Maria Island lifestyle than the annual Beach’N event,” Terri Kinder, president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, stated in a news release. “Live music, local vendors and food trucks — all out there on a gorgeous beach during the time of year when our island weather is close to perfect.” Admission is free. For more, call the chamber at 941-778-1541. Over a dozen different food trucks from the bay area line up at Coquina Beach April 8, 2017, for the second annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Beach N Food Truck and Music Festival. This year’s festival will be Saturday, April 14. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

Reception for Jeffrey Sanchez, featured artist.

NEW ARRIVALS! Come check us out! EMBROIDERY! Purses & Bags Clothing, Towels, Cups, Koozies Apparel & Accessory SHOP. PLUS we do wash & fold, dry clean & drop-off laundry service for family and commercial. Island Shopping Center 5400 Marina Drive at the Holmes Beach laundromat.

941-705-4603 yptapparel.com

Under New Ownership Ali Severson Under Ownership! Under New Ownership! Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Ali Severson Severson Ali Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Hair.Skin.Nails.Massage Open 6 days a week Open 6 6 days days aa week Open week

www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com www.acquaaveda.com 941.778.5400 941.778.5400 941.778.5400

need a good laugh? visit the emerson quillin signature store. humor, art, gifts 317 Pine Ave., Anna Maria • www.emersonshumor.com

5311 Gulf Gulf Drive, Drive, Holmes 5311 Holmes Beach Beach

5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

12 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

The Islander Calendar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

applies. information: 941-388-4441. • Second Wednesdays, Think + Drink (science), South Florida Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: On AnnA MAriA islAnd 941-746-4131. • First Fridays, 6-9 p.m. ArtWalk in the village of the Arts, around Thursday, April 12 12th street West and 12th Avenue West, Bradenton. Also, saturdays 6-8 p.m. — Florida suncoast Watercolor society Transparent after the first Fridays. Information: villageofthearts@gmail.com. show reception, the studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf drive, Anna lOOKinG AHEAd OFF AMi Maria. information: 941-778-1906. Friday, April 13 April 28, de soto Grand Parade, Bradenton. May 15, Florida 5:30-7:30 p.m. — ArtWalk, various venues in downtown Maritime Museum boat tour, Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach, around Gulf and Marina drives. information: 941KIDS & FAMILY 778-6648. Wednesday, April 18 On AnnA MAriA islAnd noon-2 p.m. — Anna Maria island Garden Club Fashion show, roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Friday, April 13 10 a.m. — Forty Carrots parenting program, Island Library, information: 941-778-6758. 5701 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. OnGOinG On AnnA MAriA islAnd Saturday, April 14 • Throughout April, Jeffrey Sanchez is featured artist, Island 10 a.m. — Origami crafting, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Gallery West, 5368 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941- Holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. 778-6648. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce • Throughout April, Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria exhibits work Beach ‘n Food Truck and Music Festival, Coquina Beach, Bradenton by Judy Strom, Artists’ Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, holmes Beach. information: 941-778-1541. Beach. information: 941-778-6694. 2 p.m. — Lego Day, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes • Through May 5, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Trans- Beach. information: 941-778-6341. parent show, the studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf drive, Anna Tuesday, April 17 Maria. information: 941-778-1906. 10 a.m. — Preschool storytime, island library, 5701 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. lOOKinG AHEAd On AMi 2 p.m. — Manatee County Parks and natural resources April 22, sTArT Earth day Culinary Celebration, Anna Maria. Department kids program, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes May 3-13, Island Players’ “An Inspector Calls,” Anna Maria. Beach. information: 941-778-6341. OFF AnnA MAriA islAnd OnGOinG On AMi Friday, April 13 6-8 p.m. — Music in the Park, Mosaic Amphitheater on the riverwalk, downtown Bradenton. information: 941-621-6471. Saturday, April 14 2-4 p.m. — Music on the Porch jam, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. Wednesday, April 18 3 p.m. — Lecture, “The Sailing vessels of Pensacola’s Red Snapper Industry,” Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-708-6120. OnGOinG OFF AMi

8300 De Soto Memorial highway, Bradenton. Information: 941-7920458. OnGOinG OFF AMi • First Saturdays, Family Night at the Museum, South Florida Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131. • Fourth Wednesdays, “Stelliferous Live” star talk, South Florida Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131.

GAMES, SPORTS & OUTDOORS On AnnA MAriA islAnd Wednesday, April 11 4 p.m. — Chess club, island library, 5701 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. OnGOinG On AnnA MAriA islAnd

• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf drive, Anna Maria. information: 941-708-6130. • Fridays, usually at 11:30 a.m., mahjong games, Island Library, 5701 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941-778-6341. • Second and fourth Fridays, 6 p.m., Center of Anna Maria Island bingo games, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Fee applies. information: 941-778-1908. • Mondays, noon, bridge, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. information: 941-778-0414. • Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., mahjong games and instruction for beginners, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. • Tuesdays, 12:15 p.m., duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church • Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Blast, CrossPointe of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach. information: Fellowship, 8605 Gulf drive, Holmes Beach. information: 941-778- 941-779-0881. 0719. OnGOinG OFF AnnA MAriA islAnd • Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m., after-school children’s choir, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. informa• Through Aug. 26, Bradenton Marauders, a Minor League tion: 941-778-0414. affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, play regular season home games • Third Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Winter Time Turtle Talks with Anna at lECOM Park, 1611 ninth st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. informaMaria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline tion: 941-747-9442. Marina resort and Beach Club, 5325 Marina drive, Holmes Beach. • First and third Wednesdays usually, Roser Memorial Commuinformation: 941-778-5638. nity Church Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Con• Terrific Tuesdays for community and families, 5:30 p.m., Roser quistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. info: 941-778-0414. Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. informa• Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., ACBL open tion: 941-778-0414. pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fee apples. Information: 941-216-9600. OFF AnnA MAriA islAnd

• Through May 6, “how People Make Things,” South Florida Museum, 201 10th st. W., Bradenton. Fee applies. information: 941-746-4131. • “Sea Debris: Awareness Through Art” exhibit, Mote Marine Saturday, April 14 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — De Soto Landing, De Soto National Memorial, Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City island, sarasota. Fee

Golf goes to the dogs!

lOOKinG AHEAd OFF AMi

April 28, Moonracer Animal Rescue golf tournament, Palmetto. May 18, Anna Maria island Chamber of Commerce 19th annual Golf Tournament, Bradenton.

HOW TO RELAX ON AN ISLAND. Massaging on AMI for more than 17 years. Your place, your convenience. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

MA#0017550

MASSAGE BY NADIA Call 941.518.8301

Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue

Golf Outing for the Rescue Tourney Golf and Awards Lunch at Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Tennis Club, Palmetto 7:30 Registration, 8:30 Shotgun Start ~ Saturday, April 28 Single Golfer $65: green fees, cart, lunch +2 drink tickets, awards & gift bags Proceeds Benefit Moonracer For more information, golf signup and sponsor opportunities, call Toni Lyon, 941-928-8735 or email tlyonami@gmail.com

Holistic wellness center and spa

Now oﬀering yoga and meditation in the ambiance of a healing Himalayan salt wall. Massage Therapy | Acupuncture | Yoga 2219 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach

941.778.8400 | www.alunawellness.com

THE ISLANDER n April 11, 2018 n 13

CLUBS & COMMUNITY On Anna Maria Island Wednesday, April 11 Noon — Coloring club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. Friday, April 13 10:30 a.m. — Senior Adventures group departs from Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach for a tour of the Museum of Art and Whimsy in Sarasota and lunch at Yummy’s. Fee applies. Information: 941-538-0945. 2 p.m. — Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. 6 p.m. — Holmes Beach Police Department community forum and tour, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Followed by refreshments — hot dogs, burgers and more — courtesy of The Islander newspaper and the Chief’s Grill Team. Information: 941-708-5804. Wednesday, April 18 Noon-3 p.m. — Anna Maria Island Garden Club Fashion Show, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-6758. ONGOING ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Just Older Youth/ JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414. • Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., veterans services assistance, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-7786341. • Third Thursdays, 11:45 a.m., Successful Women Aligning Together meets, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-345-5135. • Fridays, Senior Adventures usually meets to carpool on an adventure or for an activity, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-538-0945. • Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island breakfast meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Info: 941-778-1383. • Tuesdays, through May 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Anna Maria Farmers Market, City Pier Park at Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard,

Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130. • Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941518-1965. • Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., tech help, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341. OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND Wednesday, April 11 11:30 a.m. — Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players luncheon and meeting, IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Fee applies. Information: 941-932-2798. 5:30 p.m. — Longboat Island Chapel Arrivederci Italian Dinner, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Reservations required. Information: 941-387-0202. Saturday, April 14 9 a.m. — Registration begins for the 11 a.m. Turning Points Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser, LECOM Park, 1619 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-383-1731.

Giving opportunitY The annual Giving Challenge — a 24-hour fundraising event presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota with support from the Patterson Foundation — benefits many local nonprofits. The challenge will begin at noon May 1 and concludes at noon May 2. For more, inquire with a favorite nonprofit or go online to givingpartnerchallenge.org.

ONGOING OFF ANNA MARIA ISLAND • Second Wednesdays during season, Off Stage Ladies meeting and luncheon, various venues, Bradenton. Information: 941-9322798. • Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Main Street, downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-621-6471. Save the dates • Tuesday, April 17, Tax Day. • Sunday, April 22, Earth Day. • Friday, April 27, National Arbor Day. GET LISTED Send announcements for The Islander’s calendar to calendar@ islander.org. The deadline for listings is the Wednesday before the Presenting Pip the Pelican publication date. Please include the date, time, location and descrip- The Florida Maritime Museum’s new mascot is Pip tion of the event, as well as a phone number for publication. the Pelican, a brown pelican designed by Danielle

GOOD DEEDS

Dankenbring, the museum’s visitor services coordinator. Pip’s first mission will be to promote contriVolunteer opportunities butions to the museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, Looking for volunteer opportunities on or around Anna Maria during the area Giving Challenge set for May 1-2. Islander Courtesy Image Island? These organizations are seeking help:

At the studio

Kathy Simon MacDonald’s “Early Morning in Jackson Square” is on display in the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society’s “Transparent Exhibit” at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. The exhibit continues through May 5. A reception will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 12. During the celebration, cash awards and ribbons will be presented and viewers will vote for the People’s Choice. Islander Courtesy Photo

Dolphin Watches • Sunsets 7YP]H[L *OHY[LYZ °,NTVU[ ,_WYLZZ -HTPS` HUK 6MMZOVYL -PZOPUN :HUKIHY HUK :UVYRLS

• The Roser Food Bank needs donations of cash and nonperishable food. The pantry is administered by Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-7780414. • Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals. Information: 941-345-2441. Seeking volunteers for an organization or an event? Email calendar@islander.org with the details. Please include a contact name and phone number.

ISLAND BUSTER FISHING CHARTERS INSHORE/OFFSHORE GUIDED 4-6-8 HOUR TRIPS... PLUS, 2-HOUR FAMILY-FUN FISHING

14 n April 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

MCSO questions Bradenton Beach mooring ordinance By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Bradenton Beach is taking a proactive stance on derelict and abandoned vessels. And Manatee County is questioning its role. An updated ordinance that unanimously passed a final reading by the city commission April 5 tightens regulations for derelict or abandoned vessels in city waters, including the anchorage area in Sarasota Bay at the east end of Bridge Street. The ordinance replaces an analogous one enacted last March, which had supplanted a marine mooring ordinance approved in 2008. In anticipation of a managed mooring field in the anchorage area in Sarasota Bay on the south side of the Historic Bridge Street Pier, the commission in 2008 approved an ordinance to incorporate the waters extending 500 feet into Sarasota Bay. Since the city has yet to establish the mooring field, the ordinance was updated in 2017 to strengthen the police departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to regulate behavioral issues among boaters near shore. The new ordinance includes the previous stipulations and adds provisions for vessel removal and an appeal process, which gives the owners 21 days to request a hearing with a city special master or 45 days to remove the boat. During public comment, Manatee County sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sgt. Russell Schnering said he assumed responsibility of the MCSO marine unit several months ago, prompting him to seek clarification of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in policing the jurisdictional boundaries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bradenton Beach has jurisdiction from their northern boundary to their southern boundary and 500

The Claire Sea recently washed up at the end of Ninth Street South in Bradenton Beach. According to Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby, it is one of about 10 derelict boats in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisdiction. Islander Courtesy Photo: BBPD Officer Eric Hill feet out into the Gulf (of Mexico) and out to the Intracoastal Waterway, correct.â&#x20AC;? Schnering said, while also asking city attorney Ricinda Perry for confirmation. He added that the county offers assistance within the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisdiction, but does not assume responsi-

bility for derelict and abandoned vessels within those boundaries. Perry said the issue is coordinating law enforcement for abandoned and derelict vessels between the two entities. Schnering said articles in local newspapers following the first reading of the ordinance caused him to question what role the county is expected to take when marine issues arise. Perry said Bradenton Beach initially requested the special act for enforcement 500 feet out into the Gulf because the city needed more power to police issues with live-aboard boaters in the anchorage and wanted concurrent regulatory rights to the county, which did not have sufficient manpower to enforce such matters. She said the board of county commissioners eventually agreed that so long as the city doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have sole jurisdiction over those waters, the city could enforce county and city ordinances. Schnering said he was concerned the city would no longer have a marine unit and rely solely on the county. But Perry said Bradenton Beach is strengthening its marine unit presence, and city wishes to continue joint jurisdiction enforcement with the county. Schnering thanked Perry and the commission for clarification and said he would share the information with the MCSO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a simple misunderstanding. So we just wanted to come in and listen to what the new reading was,â&#x20AC;? Schnering said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take it back and explain to the sheriff what the jurisdictional boundaries are and that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really nothing changing.â&#x20AC;?

Bradenton Beach lobbyist checks in at city hall

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The 2018 legislative session is over and Bradenton Beach can breathe a sigh of relief. For the 2018 session, which began Jan. 8 and ended March 11, Bradenton Beach rehired lobbyist Dave Ramba, who represented the city in Tallahassee in 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the first time Bradenton Beach used a professional lobbyist. Ramba presented the results of the 2018 session to the mayor and commissioners April 5 during a meeting at city hall. He began by saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was an Ramba odd session.â&#x20AC;? He said the fewest bills passed this year than in the past 21 years. He said this likely was due to the Feb. 14 shooting at Parklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The shooting occurred about halfway through session, priorities shifted and $400 million was re-budgeted just before the session ended. This year, Ramba continued the fight for home rule, monitoring about 60 bills that could affect the city, and also promoted two bills to fund projects to stimulate tourism in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic district.

Neither of the two Bradenton Beach appropriations bills passed, but neither did the vacation rental bill that for a second year threatened home rule. Ramba said this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary focus for Bradenton Beach was Senate Bill 1400, filed by state Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. Similar to a bill put forth by Steube in 2017, the 2018 bill would have pre-empted vacation rental regulations to the state, including regulations through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. SB 1400 never made it to the floor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just kept putting obstacles up,â&#x20AC;? Ramba said, adding he found â&#x20AC;&#x153;a good allyâ&#x20AC;? in the hotel and formalized overnight-stay industry, as those entities also were fighting against Steubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bill. Ramba said since Steube is running for Congress, he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any other senator who would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;as forwardâ&#x20AC;? as Steube was on the vacation rental issue, though that could change. He said Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, is running for Steubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat and he has helped support local government, rather than fight it. Gruters sponsored the Bradenton Beach appropriations bills filed this session. According to Ramba, the bills filed by Bradenton

City of Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

Click!

The Islander welcomes news of the milestones in readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weddings, anniversaries, travels and other events. Send notices and photographs with detailed captions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with complete contact information to news@islander.org.

SPRING FUN SPECIAL

10% OFF

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

HAVE YOU SEEN ANYTHING UNUSUAL DISCHARGING INTO THE STORMWATER SYSTEM? WHAT SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING FOR? â&#x20AC;˘ Water flowing in stormwater ditches or pipes during periods of no rainfall. â&#x20AC;˘ Pipes or hoses draining to the stormwater system without an obvious source. â&#x20AC;˘ Buckets or drums containing unknown or hazardous substances that are leaking.

IF I NOTICE ANY OF THE ABOVE, what should I look for next? â&#x20AC;˘ Has it rained in the past 48 hours? â&#x20AC;˘ Is there any possible discharge upstream from the location? â&#x20AC;˘ Is the water or outfall structure discolored? â&#x20AC;˘ Is there a noticeable chemical or sewage smell?

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Beach might have been shut down because they existed within the community redevelopment district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it helped CRAs, the House wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interested in trying to help fund it,â&#x20AC;? Ramba said, citing issues with abuse of CRA funds in Miami-Dade as a source of concern for the representatives. He said CRAs are under fire for transparency issues, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help support a â&#x20AC;&#x153;great CRA like Bradenton Beach,â&#x20AC;? where it has been a successful tool for growth. Ramba closed the presentation and Mayor John Chappie thanked him for his services, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really appreciate the work you and your staff do for our city.â&#x20AC;? The city will consider rehiring Ramba when budget discussions begin for the 2018-19 fiscal year.

If you see evidence of an illegal discharge, contact the Holmes Beach Public Works Department at 941-708-5768. After hours, call the police department at 941-708-5807.

ANY 2%.4!, ./4 ).#,5$).' "/!4 2%.4!,

FACEBOOK COM *UST &UN2ENTALS

3 3 0LAZA s 'ULF $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH s

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOT OUTSIDE, STAY COOL

99 79 Performance test, ACUV dye,

AC Tune-Up Special

up to 1 pound of freon.

Expires10-22-14. 04-11-18 Exp CALL GROOMS!

5608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 941.896.7898

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 15

FISH leadership remains intact, faces funding challenge

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter With no new candidates emerging to contest the annual Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board election, five incumbents were set to retain office April 9. Any FISH member who paid the $10 membership fee by April 2 could vote in the election. Official results were unavailable until after The Islander’s press time. Candidates whose terms were expiring include president Kim McVey, vice president Jane von Hahmann and board members Kaye Bell, Plum Taylor and Janet Miller. All ran uncontested for three-year terms. “I do it to keep informed and know what’s going on,” Bell said. “My husband was interested, and I guess it rubbed off.” Taylor said she continues to Bell remain involved because the position requires someone who cares to be effective. “They can’t just sit on the board,” Taylor said. Miller served six months after being appointed to fill out an unexMcVey pired term but said it was enough to make a lasting impression. “I’m just amazed by all the important work they do,” Miller said. The board priority will be to reenergize the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. Despite good weather, Miller

attendance fell an estimated 23.5 percent from 17,000 in 2017 to 13,000 this year. For the first time, net festival proceeds will not cover $48,000 in annual FISH overhead costs, which will require a dip into reserves. Treasurer Mike Northfield said he is still compiling festival revenues, which might net $40,000 compared with about $88,000 in 2017 and $128,000 in 2016. “It’s a big drop for us. Next year we’re going to have to do a very good job and be very careful,” Northfield said. Seeking to trim the shortfall, the board will focus on raising money during the 24-hour online giving Challenge put on by the Community Foundation of Sarasota. The challenge runs online-only noon May 1 to noon May 2, when donations up to $100 will be matched. “It’s a great way to leverage your money,” von Hahmann said. Taylor “It gives us an opportunity to fill in a little of that gap. We need to cover that loss.” Miller said FISH must maximize donations. “Believe me, that’s how the big von Hahmann operations do it. They structure it so every penny is getting matched,” said Miller. In other action: Board member Karen Bell, owner of Star Fish Co. Market & Restaurant and A.P. Bell Fish Co., reported commercial fishing is “not great.” Founded in 1991, FISH supports a 95-acre pre-

serve and boat-building and repair programs. FISH also works against land developments that threaten the commercial fishing way of life. FISH was to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th St. W., after The Islander’s press time.

FISH ofﬁcers at a glance

The following five nominees were running unopposed in the annual Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board election held April 9, after The Islander press time. Kaye Bell: A Cortez homeowner since 1977, Bell retired to the fishing village in 2004. Civic activities include seats on the FISH board and the Annie Silver Community Center board. She also is president of the Cortez Village Historical Society. Kim McVey: A Cortez native, McVey is serving her fourth term as FISH president. She is employed at Cortez Bait & Seafood. Janet Miller: The newest member of the FISH board with less than a year’s tenure, Miller has worked for Fidelity Bank in the Mount Vernon branch for 11 years. Plum Taylor: A Cortez resident since 1953, Taylor took her husband Alcee’s seat when his health failed. She has 36 years service on the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Committee, which directs the annual FISH fundraiser. Jane von Hahmann: A 43-year village resident with husband Rocky, she joined the FISH board in 2009, served as treasurer 2010-14 and is FISH vice president.

Utility ﬁre closes road 1 hour

Fire engulfs a transformer at about 5 p.m. April 3 in the 1200 block of Gulf Drive North, requiring Bradenton Beach police to close the road for about an hour. Florida Power and Light spokesman Richard Beltran said the utility was called at 5:46 p.m., determined it was a malfunction in an underground cable and made temporary repairs. Twelve customers were without service for about two hours, he added. Island Courtesy Photo: BBPD

$2 stickers $10 mugs

@ The Islander, 3218 E. bay Drive, Holmes beach.

i.wed

The Islander Wedding Directory ACCOMMODATIONS Tortuga Inn Beach & Tradewinds Resorts 90 well-appointed rooms, apts., suites with kitchens, wi-fi, pools, beach, more! www.tortugainn.com 941.778.6611 www.tradewinds-resort.com Bungalow Beach Resort DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH! Classic 1930s island-style resort. 800.779.3601 bungalow@bungalowbeach.com www.bungalowbeach.com JEWELRY Bridge Street Jewelers The island’s full-service jewelry store. 129 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941.896.7800

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Gulf Drive Band The Best! Classic Danceable Tunes Musical Entertainment DJ for Weddings, Receptions. Call: 941.778.0173. email: gulfdriveband@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Jack Elka PhotoGraphics The finest wedding photography since 1980. Studio: 315 58th St., Holmes Beach. Preview weddings: www.jackelka.com • 941.778.2711

WEDDING PLANNER AMI Beach Weddings Destination Beach Wedding Experts. AMIBeachWeddings.com love@amibeachweddings.com

Island Photography Beautiful and creative photography to treasure for a lifetime. Dara Caudill • 941-778-5676 islandphotography.org

TO BE INCLUDED IN IWED, CONTACT TONI LYON, 941-928-8735, OR toni@islander.org

For information, call Zan Fuller

813.503.9364

16 n April 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

KMB calls for Palma Sola Scenic Highway crackdown

By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter A call for halting illegal transactions and removing unapproved advertising consumed much of the April 4 joint meeting of scenic highway committees in Sarasota. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity, along with scenic highway counterparts in Bradenton Beach and the Tamiami Trail, called for a crackdown on illegal bench advertising and vendors improperly accepting payments at locations on the trail. Advertising has been regulated since 1971, according to Ingrid McClellan, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director emeritus. She said benches with ads should be removed from the 4.5-mile Palma Sola Scenic Highway from 75th Street West to the drawbridge to Holmes Beach. Advertising is not banned, but it is limited along state scenic highways, according to McClellan. A letter from McClellan requesting enforcement was approved at the joint session to be sent to Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan. “Palma Sola Scenic Highway is on a beautiful city waterfront,” according to the letter. “The CME believes these benches are not located to the public benefit.” The letter also asks for vendors — people and companies selling goods and services — to be cited for illegally accepting payments along the rights of way on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway. It’s uncertain what effect the letter will have. Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston weighed in on the proliferation of advertising benches on city rights of way between 75th Street, Bradenton, and the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Perico Island, the gateway to Holmes Beach. Poston said that before he took office, a former mayor locked the city into a contract with the advertising company.

reported progress on $108,531 in Grassy Point Preserve parking improvements is bogged down while waiting for the estate of the late Billie Martini to complete a promised bequest. In addition to parking, improvements include a kayak trail to the water, signage and a nature walk extension, McGuinness said. Martini spearheaded development of the 34-acre Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach, which Please see Scenic, Next page

Ingrid McClellan, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director emeritus, seated next to Volker Reiss of Bradenton, calls for a crackdown on sales and advertising at a joint scenic highway committee meeting April 4. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor “Mayor Bill Evers signed a contract with the bench company that is forever,” Poston wrote in an email to The Islander. “I have been trying to break the contract for 10 years or so and haven’t been able to win. We have included state legislative lawyers and they say we are out of luck.” As to the vendor transactions, they can legally accept payments through online transactions, but not on the rights of way, McClellan’s letter explained. McClellan told The Islander she would continue looking into advertising prohibitions in the state legislation for scenic highways. In other action: Holmes Beach building official Jim McGuinness

Surferbus owner Shawn Duytschaver parks daily on the Palma Sola Causeway, where he supplies kayaks and paddleboards to customers who reserve and pay online. Islander File Photo: Sandy Ambrogi

The best news on Anna Maria Island since 1992

FOR FREE HOME DELIVERY ON Anna Maria ISLAND* — CALL 941-778-7978 or email info@islander.org Sorry, we cannot deliver single copies to condominium units or mobile homes.

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 17

Bradenton Beach approves Arbor Day plans

The Bradenton Beach commission voted April 5 to allow trimming this tree in Herb Dolan Park near 26th Street North and Avenue A in Bradenton Beach. Three desert cassia trees will be planted in the park April 27 for National Arbor Day. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

“Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,” reads a portion of the proclamation for National Arbor Day approved by the Bradenton Beach City Commission April 5. The city commission also approved the Scenic WAVES partnership committee recommendation to plant three desert cassia trees at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, at Herb Dolan Park on 26th Street North and Avenue A, for National Arbor Day 2018. The approved cost for the planting, which also includes trimming an over-

grown tree in the park, totaled $580. “The desert cassias are very drought resistant trees when established,” Ingrid McClellen, WAVES chairperson emeritus, said April 5. McClellan also said the trees will grow to about 12 feet, so they won’t block the line of sight to the water from nearby homes. A motion to approve the cost for the planting, to be funded as a miscellaneous line item, was unanimously approved by the commission. — ChrisAnn Silver Esformes

SCeniC CONTINuED FROM PAgE 16 reopened April 19, 2017. “For those of you who haven’t been there yet, I strongly recommend you come visit it,” Mcguinness said. “Wait until after spring break.” Also, Mcguinness said the 1.5-mile Palma Sola CME corridor extension through Holmes Beach will soon go before the city commission. The Palma Sola CME wants the state to extend the scenic highway from the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach to the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway now encompasses State Road 64 West/Manatee Avenue West from East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach to 75th Street West in Bradenton. The scenic highway extension would run from the boat ramp to East Bay Drive, where it would run south to the merger with gulf Drive at 27th Street North. The Palma Sola Scenic Highway CME will next meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Bradenton Public Works, 114 Ninth St. W.

Members of Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee, including Binky Rodgers, left, chair Jennifer Hoffman, executive director of Keep Manatee Beautiful, Commissioner Marilyn Maro, WAVES/commission liaison, secretary Connie Morrow, Fidencia Pla, vice chair Gayden Shell and Darryl Richard, Florida Department of Transportation liaison to WAVES, gather Jan. 3 outside city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Tiki & Kitty’s Adventures in Shopping … Antiques, Art-Tiques and Chic Boutiques!

Let’s go shopping! Tiki and Kitty are busy shopping for great values in their favorite shops, especially the blowout sale at Retro Rosie’s. The days are drawing to a close at Retro Rosie’s! The final day of business will be Saturday, May 19. Select jewelry is now buy-one, get-one and clothing prices start at just $2! Dishes, linen, sewing and other household goods are 20-50 percent off. Hurry,

items are going fast! Swing by today while you still have a chance. All purchases are final. tide & Moon on the Historic Bridge Street Pier has a great selection of handmade jewelry by silversmith Laura Shely. Also, check out the downtown Bradenton location at 1209 Third Ave. W., where you can learn to make jewelry, too. Be sure to stop often for the changing array of home decor, furnishings, jewelry, shoes and clothing for the entire family at Community thrift Shop on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. It’s the spot for consignment

Historic East Manatee Antiques District

bargains, including books and collectibles. Kingberry estate Finds in Palmetto offers home furnishings and decor, emphasizing quality, comfort and style at affordable prices. The estate inventory includes items for inside and outside your home. As an added bonus, you’ll find Annie Sloan Chalk Paint exclusively in Manatee County at Kingberry. And, be sure to check out Scavengers Marketplace every third Friday of the month, from 4-7 p.m., come to the Sip & Shop event to help Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Wine, hors d’ oeuvre and savings. How can you lose? Please, be sure to tell our friends in the shops, “The Islander sent me.”

Vintage Clothes for All Occasions Antiques and Accessories

Shop, Save & Support Moonracer Animal Rescue

10-4 Tue-Sat • 817 Manatee Ave. E. 941-708-0913 • Like us on Facebook!

Community Thrift Shop Bradenton’s Original Thrift and Consignment Shop

Large selection of Home Decor, Furniture, Collectibles, Fine Jewelry, Clothes for the whole family! Books and more! Accepting quality consignments. Call 792-2253

Mon-Sat 10-4

5704 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Reader’s Choice 2008 Best Consignment Store

Tide and Moon Jewelry

Huge Selection of Handmade Jewelry Exclusive Tide and Moon Island Pearl Pendant & LongitudeLatitude Ring!

Custom designed by owner Laura Shely

2 LOCATIONS: Historic Bridge Street Pier & Bradenton

200 BRIDGE ST. • BRADENTON BEACH • 941.778.4050 NEW 1209 THIRD AVE. W., DOWNTOWN BRADENTON

Over 40 vendors! Local, coastal, unique & antique. Furniture, décor, collectibles, jewelry & records.

S P ‘n SHOP Join us the third Friday of the month 4-7pm for wine, hors d’oeuvres and savings.

2100 US Highway 301 N, Palmetto Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 11-5pm If you cannot find it here, it probably doesn’t exist.

18 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Holmes Beach committee poised to make dog park pitch By Terry O’Connor Islander Reporter The season of Holmes Beach discontent with the city dog park is coming to an end. Zan Fuller, chair of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee, said she will present the committee’s recommendations for improvements to city commissioners at their 6 p.m. meeting Thursday, May 10. “I think we pretty much have a good idea of what we are going to recommend,” Fuller said. Committee members confirmed priority projects and price points at an April 4 meeting, which was the second-to-last before a four-month summer break. Three people attended the meeting, which was conducted peacefully in contrast with recent rowdy meetings. Committee recommendations are aimed at improving the 28,000-square-foot dog park on Flotilla Drive next to Birdie Tebbetts Field using $50,000 allocated by the city commission. The main parks committee proposal involves a $32,000 fence with security access. Maintenance gates are planned for the large- and small-dog sections of the park and the neighboring ballfield.

Sprucing up Spring Lake Park, 6807 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, is an ongoing project of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee. National Arbor Day will be observed at 8 a.m. Friday, April 27, at the park. Islander Photo: Terry O’Connor “The purpose would be to have access to the ballfield without shutting down the dog park,” said committee member Dennis groh. A mixture of sand and shell could be laid down to

beach load, safe crossing

aid with drainage and pet care. “It doesn’t stick to dog’s fur and paws,” said committee member Joshua Linney. “It doesn’t get in their eyes. It doesn’t get in their food. It doesn’t stick to them.” Committee recommendations will be considered by the commission for possible implementation. Looking ahead to next season when the parks committee reconvenes Oct. 3, members discussed several areas of focus, including island sign pollution, recycling, tree and landscaping prohibitions, an inventory of park needs, reinstituting educational programs and identifying areas in need of dog-waste stations. The parks committee will next meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Holmes beach dog park proposals ITEM Fencing Security access 2 water stations Trees, shrubs Pavers Protective netting 10 benches TOTAL

ESTIMATED COST $25,000 $7,000 $4,400 $4,330 $2,000 $1,200 $1,000 $44,930

HB town manager question remains unanswered

$2 OFF

$3 OFF

Submit your social news, weddings, anniversaries, births, travel photos, fishing, sports and event news and photos to news@islander.org.

THE WORKS

FRESH & SHINE Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Sealer Wax, Under Chassis Wash & Air Freshener. Most vehicles

Full-Service Car Wash, PLUS Polish-N-Wax, Under Chassis Wash, Armor All on Tires & Air Freshener Most Vehicles.

AMERICAN CAR CARE

941-794-5007

Must present coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Expires 04-25-18

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1994 6412 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-794-5007 WWW.AMERICANCARCAREBRADENTON.COM

L I F E A U T O H O M E B O AT B U S I N E S S 5412 Marina Drive • Island Shopping Center Holmes Beach • 941.778.2253

LET’S TALK ABOUT HUMIDITY CONTROLS! 

Are you going away and closing your home, even for a short while? Help prevent mildew formation with a dehumidistat. It works with your existing thermostat to turn your system on only when the two humidity forming conditions, heat and humidity, are met. 

For only $188, you can buy “peace of mind.” Price includes installation and sales tax.

Nochemicalsinside.com

No More Chemicals Inside your House! Smart Water Technology tied into your Sprinkler System will accomplish this Goal !

37 Years in Business, Family Owned and Operated!



No More Mosquitos, No No-Seeums, No Fireants and many more insects that our Guarantee covers.  



We will save you appr 75000 Gallon of water per year Inside and Outside Pest Management all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products

Outside Liquid Fertilization for Lawn, Shrubs and Trees all done with ONLY ORGANIC Products Smart Water Technology Controller using latest Technology and will be managed by us

FOR ONE LOW MONTHLY FEE

The Holmes Beach committee charged with recommending the best form of government for the city’s future is coming to the point. But it’s not quite there. Since Aug. 24, 2017, an eight-member committee has worked to determine whether Holmes Beach should employ a city manager, maintain status quo or recommend another form of government to the commission. The committee sifted at its April 2 meeting through data collected from surveying officials from 30 Florida municipalities in hopes of identifying the best government practice for Holmes Beach. Initial committee recommendations to the commission will be presented next meeting, said chair David Cheshire. He said a conclusion can then be reached. “We’ve talked to a great many people at a great many cities,” Cheshire said. Holmes Beach has operated under a strong mayorcommission form of government since incorporation in 1950. A five-member commission establishes policies and adopts ordinances. The form of government committee will next meet at 1 p.m. Monday, April 16, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. — Terry O’Connor

HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Foreign & Domestic • Air Conditioning Electrical Systems • Tune-Ups, Brakes & More 5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach at the corner of Gulf & Marina Drives

941-779-0487

CHRISTIE’S PLUMBING

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL Family Owned and Operated Since 1975 Two Florida State-Certiﬁed Master Plumbers REPAIRS & REMODELING • NEW CONSTRUCTION EMERGENCY SERVICE • FREE ESTIMATES WATER HEATERS • SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR OVERTIME

778-3924 OR 778-4461

5508 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BUILDING

(CFC1426596)

Fresh off Cortez Beach April 4, Anthony Oz of Chicago and Adam Smith of North Carolina cross Gulf Drive near Seventh Street South in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Kathy Prucnell

THE ISLANDER n April 11, 2018 n 19

Bradenton Beach pursues underground utilities in historic district

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is considering ways to preserve the historic district while keeping up with technology. During an April 4 meeting, Mark Porter, a project manager with CDM Smith engineering and construction firm, presented a scope of services to design and manage the underground conversion of utilities — including electric, telecommunications and cable — along Bridge Street and throughout the CRA district. The firm was hired by the town of Longboat Key to oversee the municipality’s switch to underground utilities — a project approved by voter referendum in November 2015 at a cost of $25.25 million. Porter first presented Bradenton Beach a proposal in March, at which time the CRA requested he assemble the scope of services. Upon reviewing the proposal April 4, the agency voted 6-0 for city attorney Ricinda Perry to investigate “piggybacking” on Longboat’s Key’s contract with CDM Smith for the CRA district and to draft a contract for the project. The CRA board consists of the city commission and two other members, restaurateurs John Horne and Ed Chiles. Chiles was absent with excuse. The scope of services for two city projects are divided into three phases. During the first phase, the contractor investigates the site and provides cost estimates from utilities contractors for the project. The second “initiation” phase includes surveys, engineering deposits to the utility providers and design. The third phase is construction. For the underground utility project on Bridge Street, phase one of CDM Smith’s work would cost $50,988.78, phase two would cost $36,667.50 and phase three would cost $140,752.34 for a $228,408.62 project total. To ground utilities in the entire CRA district, phase one would cost $81,897.34, phase two would cost $49,951.66 and phase three would amount to $202,269.94, for a total of $334,118.94. CRA chair Ralph Cole said he had hoped to see a breakdown of total costs and Porter said the total cost estimates are provided during phase one. Amelia Davies, client service leader with CDM, told the CRA that the contractor fees are on a “not-toexceed” basis, which allows the city to back out with no further commitment. “So if it gets to a point where we find it’s too much money, we could pull the plug,” Cole said. Public works director Tom Woodard said Porter’s estimate to ground Bridge Street utilities would be about $750,000 total. Davies said that was a “conservative estimate.”

BEN AND KAREN COOPER PLEASE COME SEE US AT OUR NEW OFFICE NEXT TO THE REGIONS BANK BUILDING AT 4401 MANATEE AVE. W., BRADENTON. "ANK 2ECONCILIATIONS s 0REPARING &INANCIALS #ALCULATING 0AYROLLS s (OMEOWNER !SSOCIATIONS )NDIVIDUAL #ORPORATE 4AX 2ETURNS

941-795-7048 Ofﬁce 941-795-4878 Fax

941-713-9190 Cell benacooper@aol.com

Protect the things you love.

941-244-4743

A utility pole sullies the view along Bridge Street in the historic district of Bradenton Beach. The community redevelopment agency is considering grounding utilities on the street. Islander Photos: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Commissioner Jake Spooner noted the percentage of cost for CDM Smith’s services is high, but drops as the scope of project increases. He had concerns

the Bridge Street project is too small for this sort of project management. He asked if the primary contractor — Florida Power and Light — could manage the project. Porter said the cost likely wouldn’t decrease if the city opted not to use CDM Smith’s services, but the contractors would still require submitting all the “moving parts,” including surveys, for the plans. “I don’t think you will find that the task will change, it’s just how you want to defer it,” Porter said. “You’ll inherit the costs one way or the other. If you do the entire CRA, you get a little more, as the scope doesn’t change.” Woodard recommended hiring CDM Smith because the project requires expertise to coordinate with FPL and the other contractors. Additionally, Woodard said if no one supervises and coordinates with FPL and other contractors, those entities would work on their own schedule, which could cause problems during busier times of year. Commissioner Randy White asked what would be the advantage of piggybacking on Longboat Key’s contract. Horne said piggybacking removes the state requirement to seek three bidders for the project. He said if Bradenton Beach can prove the contractor was vetted by Longboat Key, the city is spared the RFP time and expense. The agency voted to direct Perry to consult with CDM Smith and the town of Longboat Key regarding piggybacking the contract and, if the city can join the contract without a bid process, to draft a contract to ground utilities in the CRA district.

Anna Maria mayor tangles with FPL over utility poles Apparently, poles aren’t pretty. Florida Power and Light wants to replace some utility poles in Anna Maria. And it will be allowed to replace the old utility poles with new ones — but not until it has a clear timeline for removing old poles in Anna Maria. That’s what Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy asserted March 29 in an email to FPL area manager Rae Dowling. In a March 29 email from FPL project manager Brett Washmuth to public works manager Dean Jones, Washmuth requested permission and permits to begin work hardening the Palma Sola Feeder. Washmuth said FPL would work with Spectrum and Frontier to create a timeline for transferring equipment and removing the poles “as soon as

possible.” However, Murphy responded by pointing out he has complained to FPL that there are abandoned poles in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. “These abandoned poles left in the right of way along with cable and drops hanging down do not make for a safe or sightly environment,” Murphy wrote. Murphy suggested FPL work with the Florida Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, to establish a timeline with Frontier and Spectrum to remove utility poles. The mayor said he would “gladly intervene personally with the PSC” on behalf of FPL in order to get the poles removed. — Bianca Benedí

Visit islander.org for the best news on AMI.

20 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Retired engineer draws attention to global poverty By Sandy Ambrogi Islander Reporter Almost 1.3 billion people have never flipped a light switch. They have never seen a refrigerator or water heater. They are the global poor, according to Manny Medeiros, who spoke to the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Feb. 20 about global poverty and how it is woven into worldwide environmental and energy issues. The Rotarian is retired from his career as a nuclear power engineer in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. He frequently speaks on environmental issues, energy use and production and how it ties into standards of living. Medeiros is a seasonal resident of Anna Maria Island, and addresses audiences in Bradenton and Sarasota as well. He holds the viewpoint environmental and energy issues cannot be addressed without developing an understanding for the millions of people trying to escape poverty. Around the world, estimates say more than a billion people live without adequate housing, food, clean water and luxuries others take for granted, like electricity and refrigeration. Medeiros says affordable, reliable and plentiful energy is needed to aid people and break them out of the poverty cycle. After spending 30 years as a nuclear engineer, he said he embarked on his next 30-year career — energy awareness and its ties to global poverty. “I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t write, talk or think about climate change, energy production and the issues,” he said. Medeiros has testified before state and federal commissions and published papers on these issues. At 83, he shows no signs of slowing down on spreading his message. “Energy sources, production and use are the keys to everything we do in our country involving our econ-

Milestones

Island Library to mark National Library Week

National Library Week takes place through April 14 under the banner “Libraries Lead.” At the Island Library, a celebration will be 2-3 p.m. Thursday, April 12. Patrons are invited to the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, to meet local leaders, including special guest Carol Whitmore, a Manatee County commissioner and former Holmes Beach mayor and city commissioner. Plans include crafts for children, a photo booth and the serving of cookies and punch. This year is the 60th anniversary of the first National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association as a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland is the honorary chair of the 2018 National Library Week. For more information, call the Island Library at 941-778-6341.

At your service

Manny Medeiros, a retired nuclear power engineer and seasonal resident, spoke Feb. 20 to the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island about global poverty. The island club meets at noon Tuesdays at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy Rotary Club AMI omy, our health and our standard of living,” he told the lunch group gathered at the Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach. Medeiros advocates coal and nuclear power for emerging countries with large amounts of poverty. Both have fallen out of favor with many environmentalists, who promote renewables such as solar and wind power. Medeiros said, “Such entities are effectively saying that embracing unreliable and extremely expensive wind and solar electricity generation is more important than alleviating poverty in developing nations,

Obituaries are provided as a community service in The Islander newspaper to residents and family of residents, both past and present, as well as to those people with ties to Anna Maria Island. Information may be submitted to news@ islander.org. malnutrition and disease.” Medeiros told his audience, “The poor that live short lives cooking over dung fires while drinking unsanitary water and spending their evenings in the dark need affordable energy.” The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meets Tuesdays at noon at Bridge Street Bistro located at 111 gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach and residents and visitors are welcome. The next meeting is set for April 17. For more information, call 941-518-1965 or visit the website at amirotary.org.

The Islander welcomes stories about islanders and island life, as well as photographs and notices of the milestones in readers’ lives — weddings, births, anniversaries, travels, obituaries and other events. Submit your announcements and photographs with captions for publication — along with contact information — to news@islander.org. Also, visit us on Facebook and join the 11,000-plus friends who “like” The Islander and share their social news.

1,195

Online arrangements available Sarasota (941) 312-6371 | Manatee (941) 213-9234

SoundChoiceCremation.com

Pastor Rosemary Wheeler Backer

WORSHIP WITH US SATURDAY AT 5 PM SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM Fellowship follows Sunday worship 6608 Marina Drive ~ Holmes Beach ~ 941-778-1813 www.gloriadeilutheran.com “All are welcome”

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

A NON�DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Art by Joan Voyles

740

simple burials

JOY/Just Older Youth will gather at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, for fellowship, a brown-bag lunch and a musical program — entertainment and exploration of the health benefits of music. For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414.

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

simple cremations

JOY to gather

Pastor Stephen King 8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Services

300 Church Ave. • Bradenton Beach PO Box 243, Bradenton Beach 34217

2 blocks north of Bridge St. Clock Tower

Telling the Easter Story: Community and Compassion

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 21

Holmes Beach vision of future deďŹ ned in 55 words Holmes beach vision statement

Planner Bill Brisson, flanked by building official Joe Austikalnis and planning committee member Barbara Hines at the April 4 meeting, is credited with keeping the vision-statement process on track. Islander Photo: Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission will propose the following vision statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holmes Beach is an irreplaceable, authentic Florida coastal community providing a peaceful, safe small-town environment with a balance of full- and part-time residents and visitors. We are an environmentally sensitive community with clean pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets, effective transportation and infrastructure systems with primarily owner-operated businesses in centrally located commercial centers.â&#x20AC;?

By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Islander Reporter Let the parsing begin. After a year of debate, research and soul-searching, the Holmes Beach Planning Commission crafted a two-sentence, 55-word vision statement for the city commission to consider. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no idea it would be as difficult to do this,â&#x20AC;? said planning chair Chuck Stealey. The merit of each word in the vision statement was debated, he said. Addressing the issue of chain stores versus local businesses was the hardest component to cover, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a difficult problem for everybody,â&#x20AC;? Stealey said. The planners presented a draft of a proposed vision statement to city commissioners at the March 27 meeting and incorporated suggestions from the city commissioners. The planners polished the draft during their April 4 meeting. An effective vision statement projects the big picture of what a city is going to be in the next decade, Stealey told commissioners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a good meeting with the city commission. I thought they were receptive and understanding,â&#x20AC;? Stealey said. City commissioners suggested some edits, including trimming the term: quiet enjoyment. City commission Chair Judy Titsworth suggested the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;peacefulâ&#x20AC;? be included in place of â&#x20AC;&#x153;quiet enjoymentâ&#x20AC;? and planners agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for all of our residents,â&#x20AC;? Titsworth said. Titsworth also requested the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;coastalâ&#x20AC;? be added. It, too, is in the final draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;unless we disappear under a flood, we will

remain a coastal community,â&#x20AC;? said Commissioner Carol Soustek. Crafting a vision statement, last done in Holmes Beach in 2004, is a critical first step in updating the comprehensive plan, Stealey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To do this, the words were very carefully chosen and reviewed, discussed and debated,â&#x20AC;? Stealey said. Planner Bill Brisson was credited with keeping the planning commission on track during its work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without Bill Brisson, we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have gotten anything done,â&#x20AC;? Stealey said. The vision statement includes public input generated from a November meeting at gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive. Only 10 people attended

GoodFriends

the meeting, which led City Commissioner Jim Kihm to question the level of public involvement in the visioning process. Soustek, liaison to the planning commission, defended its efforts to involve the public. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think they could have done any more,â&#x20AC;? said Soustek, who attended all visioning meetings throughout the process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t force people to come to these meetings,â&#x20AC;? Titsworth said. The final draft of the vision statement will be placed on an agenda for the city commission. The planners will next meet at 6 p.m. Monday, May 2, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

South for spring break

Locals Margy and Tim Finley and Pat and Dave Moynihan vacation in South America, taking along their favorite newspaper for holiday reading. Islander Courtesy Photo

Achievements: Send us your student news. Share scholastic honors, achievements at news@islander.org.

Besďż˝ Choice in

SENIOR LIVING

Here to serve you! Dr. Jill Diesman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, and the Central Institute for the Deaf, is skilled in diagnostic, rehabilitative and other services for hearing, balance, tinnitus management, and related audiological ďŹ elds.

FREEH LUITNH TCOUR W

Â&#x2021; $OO ,QFOXVLYH 3HUVRQDOL]HG &DUH 3ODQV IRU <RXU /RYHG 2QHV 1HHGV Â&#x2021; 6SHFLDOO\ 7UDLQHG 7HDP RI 0HPRU\ &DUH 3URIHVVLRQDOV ZLWK +RXU 6XSHUYLVLRQ Â&#x2021; )XQ *URXS $FWLYLWLHV WR (QFRXUDJH 6RFLDO ,QYROYHPHQW 501 VILLAGE GREEN PKWY., STE. 16, BRADENTON

For a free hearing screening, call 941.795.2811

Â&#x2021; :HOO %DODQFHG DQG 1XWULWLRXV 0HDOV 3URYLGHG 'DLO\ Â&#x2021; 0HDQLQJIXO $FWLYLWLHV 'HVLJQHG IRU 0HQWDO 6WLPXODWLRQ 941.357.2675 | DiscoveryVillages.com | TH $YHQXH :HVW %UDGHQWRQ )/ 6XSHUYLVHG ,QGHSHQGHQW /LYLQJ _ $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ _ 0HPRU\ &DUH 3ULFHV SODQV SURJUDPV DQG VSHFLÂżFDWLRQV VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH RU ZLWKGUDZDO ZLWKRXW QRWLFH 9RLG ZKHUH SURKLELWHG E\ ODZ $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ )DFLOLW\ /LFHQVH Â&#x2039; 'LVFRYHU\ 6HQLRU /LYLQJ '96%

22 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Cops & Court By Kathy Prucnell, Islander Reporter

HBPD’s detective work leads to fraud arrest

The stars aligned for Holmes Beach Police Detective Sgt. Brian Hall when he connected a suspect in a Manatee County case to the fraudulent use of a credit card at the Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach. Tanya Renee Davis, 45, was arrested March 27 on a warrant for the Feb. 19 crime. The credit card owner had reported the card stolen to the HBPD after learning it was used multiple times in Holmes Beach and Bradenton. Video from a Publix surveillance camera was provided to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which led three deputies to identify Davis as a suspect in Anna Maria Island and Cortez burglaries, according to Hall’s affidavit to the 12th Circuit Court. “She was involved with those people arrested. She was outside in a vehicle,” Hall said. A rash of burglaries Feb. 19-20 led MCSO to arrest two people at a residence for trespassing in the 3800 block of 116th near Cortez. Nearby deputies found a stolen car loaded with items reported stolen from Anna Maria Island and the Cortez area, including electronics, tools, clothing and a large amount of mail connected to four burglaries in Bradenton Beach. As of press time, no burglary charges were pending against the alleged trespassers.

Streetlife

By Kathy Prucnell

Island police blotter

anna Maria March 24, gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue, marijuana. Two bags of marijuana and a roach, weighing a total of 19.2 grams, were confiscated by Manatee County sheriff’s deputies during the arrest of a 24-year-old Bradenton man driving a black truck in an erratic manner. A deputy observed the motorist failing to maintain a single lane, swerving into a bike lane and running a stop sign. His wife was called to retrieve the truck. March 26, 700 block of Jacaranda Road, bicycle theft. A bike was stolen after a renter left it overnight in a driveway. Attached to the bicycle was a pink sticker, stating, “#HI.”

But, according to Hall, MCSO found Davis in the same vicinity that night. “It just so happened they were committing crimes on the island and I came to find out who she was,” Hall added. After her warrant arrest, Davis posted $500 bond and was released from the Manatee County jail. Davis’ court arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. May 1 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Check fraud ends without loss to KRC

The Key Royale Club is out no money after BB&T recognized a fraud involving the club’s checking account. Club treasurer Debbie Richardson filed a police report March 7 with Holmes Beach police, leading to a bank reimbursement for about $9,000 in fraudulent checks. “They were not Key Royale’s checks but they were made to look like them,” Richardson said April 6 in a phone interview. A computer program was apparently used to replicate KRC checks and three such checks hit different banks on the same day, she said. “unfortunately, it’s not that unusual,” Richardson said about the fraud, adding tellers typically catch improper drafts. Anna Maria is policed by MCSO. Bradenton Beach March 28, Coquina Park, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Marchman Act. While on beach patrol, a Bradenton Beach police officer observed a 49-year-old man stumbling. The officer took him to a medical facility after determining the man could not take care of himself. March 31, 100 block of Fourth Street North and Highland Avenue, marijuana/paraphernalia. Two 19-year-old males were arrested for possessing about 53 grams of marijuana and a marijuana pipe after an officer followed a suspicious vehicle. The officer stopped the motorist, noticed a strong odor of cannabis and searched the car. After police read their Miranda rights, both men said the drug was theirs. Cortez No reports.

Fort Myers man gets DUI probation

No-contest pleas in 12th Circuit Court ended with a judge finding a man guilty for driving under the influence, while adjudication was withheld on a driver’s license violation. Alexander Dorrian, 23, of Fort Myers, pleaded no contest Feb. 26 to the DuI, as well as driving with an invalid license, after a Holmes Beach arrest in November 2017. Judge Renee Inman entered the findings and sentenced Dorrian to 12 months probation, including completing a DuI course, victim-impact panel and 50 hours of public service. Dorrian’s driver’s license was suspended for six months and his vehicle impounded for 10 days. Inman also ordered an alcohol-detection ignition device installed in Dorrian’s vehicle for six months. Dorrian was stopped Nov. 7, 2017, by HBPD after a motorist’s tip. A responding officer observed the vehicle traveling at a high speed and swerving across the road in the 7600 block of Palm Drive. Fines and court costs of $2,891 were assessed, of which $1,506 was paid, according to court records. In this case, the first two fake checks weren’t recognized when presented, she said, but a teller caught the third check and a suspect was arrested. A suspected fraudster was arrested out of town and the bank is investigating, according to Holmes Beach Police Detective Sgt. Brian Hall. Cortez is policed by MCSO. Holmes Beach March 28, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 gulf Drive, trespass. The manager trespassed three men after they allegedly harassed some female patrons and carried alcoholic beverages into the cafe. Police reported the men were listed on a law enforcement database as violent sexual predators. One man told a Holmes Beach police officer he made a comment to a girl who he had observed adjusting her bikini top. March 29, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 gulf Drive, vehicle burglaries. Two break-ins were reported in the parking lot, where car windows were broken and purses and money were taken. One purse was found in the 100 block of 33rd Street and returned to the owner. March 20, beach access and 68th Street, camping. A 52-year-old Alabama man was found sleeping. He gathered his belongings and left after police cited him for violating the ordinance against camping on the beach. March 31, 200 block of 81st Street, noise. At 10:27 p.m., police were dispatched for a loud, large party. Due to the excessive noise, no one answered when police PLEASE SEE StReetliFe, NExT PAgE

SEAFOOD

THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD ON AMI A LANDMARK ON

PROUD RECIPIENT OF THE SMALL BUSINESS

OF THE YEAR AWARD

GULF COAST!

- LARGE CATEGORY-

Live Music Friday & Saturday 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach 941-896-9737 bluemarlinami.com

THE ISLANDER n April 11, 2018 n 23

Bradenton man pays for DUI

About half of a Bradenton man’s dues are paid following his driving-under-the-influence conviction in 2017. Michael Flotow Jr., 50, pleaded no contest Nov. 28, 2017, to a DUI offense stemming from a September 2017 arrest in Holmes Beach. Twelfth Circuit Judge Robert A. Farrance sentenced Flotow to 12 months probation, with orders to complete a DUI program, victim-impact panel, 50 hours of public service, and to pay $2,371 in costs and fines. Court records show Flotow has paid $1,105.

Streetlife continued from page 22 rang the doorbell and knocked at the front door. Officers walked to the backyard, where a man identified himself as the homeowner. He told police the party was a wedding reception. The homeowner advised he’d bring everyone inside. Police issued him a citation. April 1, 2900 block of Avenue E, theft. A 21-speed bicycle left unsecured in the front yard was stolen sometime during a man’s 30-minute trip to the beach to watch the sunset. The bike was valued at $500. April 1, CVS, 611 Manatee Ave., missing/recovered person. Holmes Beach police received a report from a Bradenton man, who told authorities his son called for a ride from CVS, but when the man arrived, the son had left. HBPD issued an alert to other agencies about the missing person and contacted Verizon to locate the son’s cellphone. After several hours, Manatee County sheriff’s deputies found him walking on El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton and a family member was called to take him home. April 3, 200 block of 66th Street, battery. A Holmes Beach officer responded to a complaint about a neighbor throwing an aluminum chair at a woman. No injuries were observed and the woman declined medical treatment. A request was sent to the state attorney to review the case for possible charges. Holmes Beach is policed by HBPD. Streetlife is based on incident reports and narratives from the BBPD, HBPD and MCSO.

Farrance’s order includes an automatic early termination date upon completion of the terms. The judge also suspended Flotow driver’s license for six months, impounded his vehicle for 10 days and ordered an alcohol-detection device installed in his vehicle for six months. Holmes Beach police initially stopped Flotow for driving in the dark without a headlight in the 2900 block of Gulf Drive. In addition to the DUI, HBPD cited him with an equipment violation, for which he paid $116, according to court records.

DUI two-timer sentenced

Two driving under the influence arrests in a threeweek span meant two fines for a Bradenton man. Mitchell Egan, 21, pleaded no contest Feb. 15 to the two cases in Judge Robert A. Farrance’s courtroom. Farrance found Egan guilty and sentenced him to 12 months concurrent probation and $3,947 in cumulative fines for arrests in Holmes Beach in November 2017 and in Bradenton three weeks earlier. Egan’s troubles with the law in Holmes Beach began when police observed him swerving in the 2900 block of Gulf Drive and, in Bradenton, after Bradenton police stopped him speeding in the 2200 block of 26th Street West, according to police reports. Egan was assessed $1,631 and $2,316 for the Holmes Beach and Bradenton cases, respectively, according to court records. Farrance credited Egan for jail time and ordered he complete a DUI program, victim-impact panel and 50 hours of public service. Egan’s license was suspended for a year, with a business exception. An alcohol-detection ignition device was ordered for his vehicle for six months. Concerning a separate license charge, Farrance found Egan guilty and ordered a six-month concurrent probation.

HB marijuana bust flops in court

Two men arrested with more than 136 grams of marijuana in Holmes Beach were sentenced to probation in court. Alberto Lara, 23, of Bradenton, and Anthony Calhoun, 18, of Palmetto, pleaded no contest Jan. 4 to felony possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia. Twelfth Circuit Judge Brian Iten withheld adjudication on all charges, ordering Lara to 12 months probation and Calhoun to 18 months probation. A withhold is a non-conviction court disposition typically used for first-time offenders. Manatee County court records show no prior convictions for Calhoun, but indicate Lara was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and resisting an officer in 2015. The case stemmed from a 2014 fight with a Bradenton Hooter’s patron and threats to Manatee County deputies. In addition to probation for the Holmes Beach charges, both men were ordered to 50 hours of public service. Early termination of the probation is available to Lara. Calhoun’s probation can terminate if he completes its terms within nine months. Both men were arrested in November 2017 after a Holmes Beach police officer stopped them in the 200 block of Chilson Avenue for seat belt violations. After smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle, a police search found large quantities of the drug. Lara allegedly told police 38.4 grams of marijuana and a scale belonged to him. Calhoun allegedly claimed ownership of 98.2 grams of marijuana and a scale. Lara and Calhoun were assessed costs and fines of $935 and $778, respectively. Island watch: To report information on island crime, call the MCSO Anna Maria substation, 941708-8899; Bradenton Beach police, 941-778-6311; or Holmes Beach police, 941-708-5804.

24 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

LEFT: Kindergartners Asli Ponce Hoggard and Chloe Sopetto skim the water as Zoe Kramer shows teacher Bridget Querrard the fish eggs she caught.

AME kids explore estuary life

Anna Maria Elementary kids are getting a chance to splash in the water and explore ocean life. First-graders and kindergartners had the opportunity April 3 and April 4 to climb into the estuary â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anna Maria Sound â&#x20AC;&#x201D; behind Anna Maria Elementary to dig in the muck and look for native critters â&#x20AC;&#x201D; things like pinfish, shrimp, seahorses and hermit crabs. Although the bayfront exploration is typically reserved for younger students, Parent-Teacher Organization president Nicole Teich said the PTO is providing all AME students the bayfront learning opportunity. Second-graders will get their chance to explore the estuary Thursday, May 10, and third-graders will dip into the water Friday, May 11. Fifth-graders will explore the bay Monday, May 21, and fourth-graders will take their turn Tuesday, May 22.

Kaylynn Low of Around the Bend Nature Tours helps Stone Smith identify the fish in his net April 4.

by bianca benedĂ, bianca@islander.org

AME calendar

â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, April 11, third-grade Florida State Assessment for ELA Reading. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday and Thursday, April 11-12, fourth-grade Florida Student Assessment for ELA Reading. â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, April 13, 12:30 p.m., early release. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday and Thursday, April 18-19, fourth-grade Florida Student Assessment for ELA math. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, April 24, 5 p.m. PTO dinner and 6:30 p.m. first-grade play. â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24-25, fifthgrade Florida Student Assessment for ELA Reading. â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, April 26, progress reports sent. â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, April 26, Princess Ball. â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, April 30, fifth-grade Science Sunshine State Standards Assessment. Anna Maria Elementary is at 4700 gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the school at 941708-5525.

1st-graders set to stage â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; musical Anna Maria Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-graders are ready to take the stage. And make friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;FRIENDS, the Musical,â&#x20AC;? is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the school auditorium. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance will feature new songs mixed into a story about how to make friends. Dinner, arranged by the AME Parent Teacher Organization and provided by Dannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria in Bradenton, will be served before the show. Dinner service will begin at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria. The menu includes lasagna or pizza, garlic knots, salad and a drink, as well as dessert for an additional donation. Desserts are provided by PTO members. Adult meals are $8, and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meals are $5. Those who order their meals before 3 p.m. Monday, Kindergartners Eliana Mesa, Maggie Niedzwick April 23, at the school office will be entered into a and Zoe Kramer examine small tanks containing sea creatures found April 4 while exploring the estuary. drawing to win a $25 gift card to Dannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria.

French WE TWEET TOO Table The soul of France in the heart of Bradenton Beach

Traditional French dining experience â&#x20AC;Ś featuring entrees of mussels, shrimp, grouper, duck, pasta carbonara, chicken, beef and a slow-cooked duck casserole. 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach

Lucky Ducky Race for Pace Adopt a Duck...Help a Girl!

941.779.1930

@ami_islander

ĆŤ ĆŤ

Ä&#x2030;0$ĆŤ **1 (ĆŤ 1 '5ĆŤ 1 '5ĆŤ ! 5ĆŤÄ Ä&#x201A;0$Ä&#x201C; All Month Long

ĆŤ ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä&#x201C;

0+,ĆŤ 5ĆŤ *5ĆŤ 5ĆŤ0$%/ĆŤ)+*0$ĆŤ * ĆŤ 15ĆŤ ĆŤ 1 'ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ5+1.ĆŤ $ * !ĆŤ0+ĆŤ3%*ĆŤ ĆŤ !!,ĆŤ . *#(!.ĆŤ Ä¨Ä&#x201A;ĆŤ ! .ÄĄ ! /!ĆŤ+.ĆŤÄ¸Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x152;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;ÄŠĆŤ/,+*/+.! ĆŤ 5ĆŤ %.'%*/ĆŤ $.5/(!.ĆŤ !!,ĆŤ + #!ĆŤ )Ä&#x201C;ĆŤÄ&#x201A;* ĆŤ,.%6!ĆŤ !!'(5ĆŤ %**!.ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ 3+ĆŤ 0ĆŤ *5ĆŤ ĆŤ"+.ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä&#x201C;ĆŤ 2 %( (!ĆŤ 0ĆŤ ((ĆŤÄ&#x2026;ĆŤ + 0%+*/Ä&#x201C;

Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2021;ĆŤÄ Ä&#x2026;0$ĆŤ 0.!!0ĆŤ !/0 Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2026;Ä Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x20AC;

Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2021;ĆŤ +.0!6ĆŤ + Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2026;Ä Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2C6;

Ä Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2020;ĆŤÄ&#x2020;Ä /0ĆŤ 2!*1!ĆŤ /0 Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2026;Ä Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x201A;Ä Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x192;

ĆŤ ĆŤ . !*0+*ĆŤ ! $ Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2026;Ä Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x2039; ĆŤÄ¨Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x201A;ÄŠ

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 25

Mapping the migration

A new tool from BirdCast at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology shows the sweep of spring migration in near real-time and predicts mass movements of birds. For an introduction to the maps, go online to allaboutbirds.org. Islander Image: Courtesy Cornell Lab of Ornithology

By Lisa Neff

Farewell feathered friends — and other ‘birds’

Multiple migration journeys are on my mind. After a long season by the bay, my parents will be packing up their SuV at the end of the month and traveling north to Illinois. Flocks of snowbirds are vacating Anna Maria Island after another season of art walks, market days, Neff church socials, pancake breakfasts and, of course, beach walks and sunset views. And look skyward: You’ll likely see some feathered birds on the move. Just the night before writing this column, I saw hundreds of cedar waxwings burst from the branches of a pine tree in my front yard — and they didn’t come back. Maybe they’ll beat my parents on the migration to the Midwest. Maybe they’re headed to Canada. Maybe they’re in my neighbor’s pine tree. Along the Palma Sola Causeway April 6, I saw three red knots foraging at the water’s edge. The species is known for its epic migratory journeys — about 9,000 miles from the north to the south in the fall and 9,000 on the return in the spring. The birds migrate from breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering grounds along the gulf Coast, the southeast united States and South America. The red knots I saw along the causeway were not banded, so I don’t know whether they will migrate or stay put. Not every member of a migratory species will migrate, which is why beachgoers may see red knots on the island shore in July. Less than four years ago, the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced federal protections under the

Endangered Species Act for the red knot, designating the bird as “threatened.” The designation means a species is at risk of becoming endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range. At the time, the FWS said climate change, coastal development and overharvesting of horseshoe crabs sharply reduced the red knot population in recent decades. In the continental united States, the largest concentration of rufa red knots can be found in May in Delaware Bay, where the birds stop to feast on the eggs of spawning horseshoe crabs, nearly doubling their weight before flying on to the Arctic. Here’s what the FWS announced in a news release in 2014: “Since the 1980s, the knot’s population has fallen by about 75 percent in some key areas, largely due to declines in one of its primary food resources — horseshoe crab eggs in Delaware Bay.… Other threats, including sea-level rise, some shoreline projects and coastal development, continue to shrink the shorebird’s wintering and migratory habitat.” The service analyzed more than 1,700 scientific documents and considered more than 17,400 comments before making its decision. Yet, different leadership at the u.S. Department of the Interior may undermine the ruling. A proposed rule the Interior Department sent to the White House earlier this month effectively would rescind most protections for 100 species designated as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.

In 1975, the FWS enacted a rule granting “threatened” species the same level of protection as “endangered” under the act. Only if FWS determined that fewer protections were warranted could protections for threatened species be relaxed. The new proposal would rescind the 1975 rule, according to the Center for Biological Diversity environmental group, which has operations in the Tampa Bay region. The rule change would target scores of fish, birds and mammals around the country, including southern sea otters, northern spotted owls, piping plovers, Yosemite toads, delta smelt, Santa Catalina Island foxes, gopher tortoises and red knots. And so, as we say farewell this spring to our migratory species, I fear the year that they don’t return for another season on Anna Maria Island.

Red knots forage at the water’s edge. The species migrates an estimated 18,000 miles a year. Islander Courtesy Photo

Special: Cream of Asparagus Soup. Fleischpflanzerl (Meatloaf) with sauteed onions, mashed potatoes and side salad. HAXEN FRI-SAT NIGHTS (reserve ahead) Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9

941.778.1320 http://schnitzel.house 3246 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

$100 OFF

SERVING GOURMET ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

Any Size Pizza

FREE DELIVERY!

❊ Truly Homemade Ice Cream

(yes, we really make it ourselves)

OMA PIZZA

❊ Voted Best Ice Cream ❊ Open 7 Days a Week

& ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Specializing in Veal • Chicken • Fish • Pasta Makers of the World’s Largest Pizza Makers of the World’s Largest Pizza Open 7 Days • 11AM to Midnight 201 N. Gulf Dr. • Bradenton Beach 778-0771 or 778-0772

º/ iÀiÊ ÃÊ Ê ÛiÊÃ ViÀiÀÊÌ > Ê Ì iÊ ÛiÊ vÊv `°»ÊpÊ ° °Ê- >Ü

www.tylersicecream.com Manatee Ave & 59th 941-243-3841

Cortez & 119th 941-794-5333

Longboat Center Shops 941-383-6935

UÊ iÊ ÊUÊ >ÀÀÞÊ"ÕÌÊUÊ"«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÉ££\Îä ÊÊx{äÈÊ >À >Ê À ÛiÊUÊ Ã > `Ê- «« }Ê i ÌiÀ iÃÊ i>V ÊUÊ {£°ÇÇn°xä Ó

Waterfront Dining at Anna Maria Oyster Bar Tableside service with a bayside view on the Bridge Street Pier! Call (941) 778-AMOB (2662) for Beach-to-Pier Shuttle!

Open Daily • 8am-9pm Breakfast 8am-11am • Weekend Brunch 11am-2pm

on the

Pier

200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL • OysterBar.net

26 n April 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

KRC champ crowned, basketball, soccer rolls on at center By Kevin P. Cassidy Islander Reporter The 2018 Key Royale Club menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handicap tournament concluded March 28 after five weeks of match play. Thirty-two golfers began the tourney and, in the final 18-hole match, Art McMillan defeated Chuck Patrick 5-and-3, holding a five-hole lead with only three holes left to play. Regular golf action at KRC began April 2 with the men playing a ninehole modified-Stableford system match. Gary Risner earned clubhouse bragging rights with a score of plus-7. Larry Pippel took second with a plusCassidy 6, and Jack Connors took third place with a plus-5. The women played a nine-hole individual-low-net match in four flights April 3. Judy Christensen fired a 4-under-par 28 to lap the field in Flight A. Sue Christenson dominated Flight B with a 4-under-par 28, giving her a six-shot victory over second-place finisher Carol Patterson. Flight C was more competitive as Jan Turner earned first place with a 3-under-par 29, one stroke ahead of Sue Wheeler. Jana Samuels was alone in third place at 1-under-par 31. Susan Van Orsdel topped Flight D with a 3-underpar 29. The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf action April 5 saw a nine-hole shamble. The team of Tim Friessen, John Kolojeski, Stephen Morley and Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien combined on a 5-under-par 27 to earn clubhouse bragging rights for the day. One stroke back was the team of Tom McDonnell, Larry Pippel and Bill Shuman. On center court Youth basketball action continued last week at the Center of Anna Maria Island, starting with a pair of games April 3. Bins Be Clean outscored Blue Lagoon 36-28 behind 17 points from Cole Carter and 11 points from Anthony Nguyen. Jackson Hayes scored 9 points and Ben Barreda added 6 points for Blue Lagoon. The second game of the evening saw Beach Bums outlast Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place 51-46 in overtime, only to lose the game by forfeit due to a non-rostered player. Tyler Brewer led Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with 20 points, Tuna McCracken added 14 points and David Daigle finished with 10. Brock Soletti led Beach Bums with 20 points, while Evan Christenson added 11 points in the loss. Action continued April 4 with Beach Bums rolling to a 54-21 victory over Bins Be Clean behind 20 points from Brock Soletti and 17 points from Connor Ludwig. Jeremiah Sculco added 8 points in the victory for Beach Bums. Cole Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 points paced Bins Be Clean, which received 3 points each from Nguyen

THE ORIGINAL BAIT BOAT IS BACK!

Polar came through with assists. The last game of the night saw Mar/Kis Insurance and Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place battle to a 2-2 tie. Joel Sanchez scored two goals to lead Mar/Kis Insurance, which also received an assist from Kris Yavalar and five saves from Mario Prino in the draw. Rico Beissert and Andre Lewis had a goal each and PJ Smarjisso had an assist and a pair of saves to lead Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place to the tie. Action continues with four games starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 12.

Art McMillan, left, receives a congratulatory handshake from Chuck Patrick on McMillanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5-and-3 victory in the finals of the 2018 Key Royale Club menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handicap match-play tournament March 28. Islander Photo: Courtesy KRC and Cash Carter in the loss. Slimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place rolled to a 46-14 victory over Blue Lagoon behind 13 points from Brewer, 12 from Shane Solettie and 10 from Daigle. Jackson Hayes scored 3 points and Ben Barreda added 2 points in the loss. Adult soccer kicks off season Adult soccer kicked off at the center April 5 with four games played. The action got started when Sato Real Estate rolled to a 6-2 victory over Acqua Aveda behind 5 goals from Damir Glavan and a goal from Jose Caseras. Josh Sato added two assists and Nate Talucci chipped in one, while Jordan Demers helped preserve the victory with five saves in goal. Eric Pullen paced Acqua Aveda with a goal and an assist. Jeff Walker notched the other goal, while Jason Sato made six saves in the loss. Legler Flynn Law outscored Moss Builders 5-2 in the second match of the evening behind two goals each from Jeremias Gramajo and Amy Ivin. Chris Le Clainche added a goal and an assist, while Steve Oelfke finished with two saves and an assist in the victory. Chris Scott had a goal and an assist to lead Moss, which also received a goal from Stephen Adair and three saves from Ivan Gaeta in the loss. Lancaster Design held on for a 5-3 victory over Ross Built in the third match of the night, getting two goals each from Sumiko Chipman and Robert Armstrong. Greg DeMeuse added a goal and Trey Horne came through with five saves in the victory. Ross Built was led by two goals from James Lynch and a goal from Ben Sato, while Chris Klotz and Omar

Horseshoe news Three teams emerged from pool play and battled it out for the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supremacy during April 4 horseshoe action at the Anna Maria City Hall horseshoe pits. Walker Tim Sofran drew the bye into the finals and watched as Neil Hennessey and John Crawford blew out Tom Skoloda and Jerry Disbrow by a 23-4 score. Hennessey and Crawford stayed hot in the finals and held off Sofran 22-18. The April 7 games saw six teams go 2-1 creating a large and convoluted playoff. Round one saw Dom Livedoti and Donnie Goodwin roll to a 25-3 victory over Sofran and Hennessey while Crawford and Steve Doyle moved on with a 22-12 victory over Disbrow and Steve Hooper. Myles Macleod and Skoloda closed out round one action with a 23-4 victory over Norm Langeland and Al Booker. Macleod and Skoloda drew the bye into the finals and watched as Livedoti and Goodwin easily defeated Crawford and Doyle 26-7. Livedoti and Goodwin stayed hot and earned a comfortable 22-9 victory over Macleod and Skoloda in the finals. Play gets underway at 9 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday at the Anna Maria City Hall pits. Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by random team selection. There is no charge to play and everyone is welcome. Register now for Magic soccer Players interested in taking their game to the next level are invited to register for tryouts for the 2018-19 competitive Manatee Magic soccer league. Tryouts for the junior age group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; players with birth years of 2005-10 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are set for 6-8 p.m. May 14-15, with checkin starting at 5:30 p.m. The junior season runs mid-October to April, depending on the success and desire of the teams. Senior group tryouts will be 6-8 p.m. May 16-17 with checkin at 5:30 p.m. The season for high school age players is split to avoid conflict with high school soccer. It runs August to October, then resumes mid- to late-January and, depending on success and the team, continues through April. Tryouts are held at the G.T. Bray Park soccer fields, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton. There is no cost for the tryouts, but interested players must register online at mayso.org. The cost for the season is $600, including two uniforms, backpack, training and one tournament entry. For more information, email info@mayso.org.

LIVE Whitebait & Crabs

On the water at the Kingfish Boat Ramp

941-323-7892

$YDLODEOH $We AMI CENTRE, 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941 778-7978 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

Fishing Charters Wet Slips Fuel Dock Full Service Marine Mechanic Tackle Shop and Water Sports -ARINA $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH WWW +EYES-ARINA COM s

Anna Maria Island Tides

Date

April 11 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 17 April 18

11:08a 11:22a 11:36a 11:51a 12:19a 1:04a 1:52a 2:46a

HIGH

1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.6

9:52p 10:47p 11:34p â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 12:09p 12:31p 12:57p 1:29p

HIGH

LOW

1.8 1.8 1.9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.5

3:55a 4:34a 5:07a 5:37a 6:03a 6:29a 6:53a 7:17a

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9

4:01p 4:44p 5:22p 5:59p 6:37p 7:18p 8:04p 8:56p

LOW

Moon

1.0 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.1 -0.1 New -0.3 -0.3

AM City Pier tides; Cortez high tides 7 minutes later â&#x20AC;&#x201D; lows 1:06 later

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 27

Inconsistent weather remains consistent on the water By Capt. Danny Stasny Islander Reporter Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistently inconsistent. On warm, calm days, fishing is exceptional, especially in the bays and Intracoastal Waterway. On the windier days during the cold fronts, fishing is sporadic. There are too few places to fish out of the wind and the stirred up water. So, the warm calm days are where it’s at for anglers. Fishing Tampa and Sarasota bays for spotted seatrout and snook is keepStasny ing anglers busy. Live bait fishing with shiners is producing the best action on either species. Redfish are taking the hook, but not with the volume of the snook and trout. Jack crevalle have moved into the shallows, terrorizing everything in their paths. Most jacks being caught are 4-6 pounds — anyone who fishes light tackle knows they put up quite a battle when hooked. Anglers jigging around the passes and the adjacent deeper grass fl ats are catching pompano. Don’t forget to tip those jigs with shrimp for an advantage. Moving offshore, reports of permit, cobia, kingfish and tuna are on the rise. Live baits and artificials are working for these fish. Remember to pick your days wisely, as we are experiencing windy conditions on a regular basis. Mangrove snapper and grouper are being reported while fishing nearshore structure, such as the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. On my own Southernaire Charters, I’m patrolling the flats of Tampa and Sarasota bays and Anna Maria Sound. Snook and spotted seatrout are on the menu. Snook fishing around mangrove edges is producing impressive numbers of fish — on some days, as many as 30 snook are being reeled to the boat. The same applies for the spotted seatrout, although I am finding them on deeper grass away from the shorelines. My clients are catching many slot-size trout —fish 15-20 inches. Over-slot fish — up to 25 inches — are in the mix, but not as apparent as the slot fish. Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier continues to see sheepshead hanging around the pilings under the pier. Live shrimp is working as bait for these tasty fish. Shrimp also is producing action on some redfish and flounder. Pier fishers using jigs tipped with shrimp are catching an occasional pompano as well as ladyfish and jack crevalle. Lastly, Spanish mackerel are being caught on silver spoons or small pink jigs. Capt. Aaron Lowman is spending his days throughout the inshore waters. Trout fishing is dominating the action, especially on calm days. Freelining shiners under a cork is producing numerous

Fishing Charters Capt. Warren Girle

Mike Cope of Atlanta shows off the results of his April 2 offshore charter with Capt. Warren Girle. Girle said a calm Gulf of Mexico allowed Cope to hook up with several nice mangrove snappers and some under-size red grouper using shiners for bait. fish 15-20 inches, as well as some fish exceeding 24 inches. Snook fishing is producing good action for Lowman while working in the bay. Many 20-26 inch snook are taking baits. Slot-size fish, although quite smarter than their smaller counterparts, are occasionally being tricked by Lowman to “take the bait.” Redfish are in the mix, found around oyster bars during high tides. Capt. Warren Girle is fishing the lush grass flats of Sarasota Bay, where live bait fishing with scaled sardines is producing consistent action on spotted seatrout for his clients. This bite is occurring over flats with depths of 4-6 feet. Casting bait into sandy potholes or grass edges is proving to work best.

Snook fishing is producing action for Girle’s clients. Again, live shiners are the bait of choice. girle is stalking these snook among shallow flats of 3 feet or less. Oyster bars and or mangroves make up the terrain. Lastly, moving his clients offshore, girle is putting them on mangrove snapper, kingfish and numerous juvenile grouper in depths of 40- 50 feet. Ledges, reefs and wrecks are producing the bite. Capt. Jason Stock is doing what he does best and that’s catching permit. Casting live crabs around reefs and wrecks is resulting in permit exceeding 20 pounds. Other species being hooked while offshore with Stock include cobia, flounder, blackfin tuna, gag grouper, kingfish and an occasional goliath grouper. On windier days when fishing offshore is not possible, Stock is hunting big snook and trout on the flats. With unpredictable wind on the gulf, Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters is fishing charter clients inshore. Spotted seatrout are in abundance and White is catching his share. using live shiners for bait over deep grass flats is resulting in limits of trout. Live bait fishing with shiners is attracting many snook to the hook, too. Shallow grass flats around mangroves and oyster bars are holding plenty of 20-26 inch fish, as well as some keepers. Fishing in the gulf of Mexico is host to both Spanish and king mackerel. This bite is occurring around nearshore structure within 7 miles of shore, according to White. Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.

No red tide reported locally

Bob Zaagman of Michigan shows off the 22-inch trout he caught April 5 while fishing with Capt. Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters. Southernaire Fishing Charters

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in Manatee County the week ending April 6. Red tide was detected elsewhere in the region. For more information about red tide in Florida, go to myfwc.com/redtidestatus.

CAPT. AARON LOWMAN 'ULF "AY &ISHINGs4ARPON 53'! ,ICENSED AND )NSURED

INSHORE RE Redﬁsh Snook

O OFFSHORE SSnapper G Grouper

LIGHT G TACKLE C • FLY Over 30 years experience in local waters • USCG Licensed Full / Half Day Trips • 941.387.8383 (H) • 941.232.8636 (C) www.captainwarren.com Facebook: Captain Warren

941.465.8932 AnnaMariaFishing Guide.com

DOCKED AT SEAFOOD SHACK

28 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign to undergo further consideration

By ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Islander Reporter Here today, gone tomorrow? An illuminated restaurant sign near the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach has become a hotly debated topic in the city and decisions on how to address it are still in the works. The Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign â&#x20AC;&#x201D; permitted by the city building department in late 2017 and installed in early 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is under fire for its height, placement, lighting and style. Scenic Waves Partnership Committee member Fidencia Pla, independent of the committee, circulated a petition in February that was signed by 66 people who want the sign moved to a less prominent location and replaced with a wooden restaurant sign, more fitting the character of the district. Additionally, Pla and the petitioners are asking to have an older, former sign for the pier re-installed where the restaurant sign now stands. The former pier sign, made of wood with a pelican scene, was painted by a public works employee and installed in 2008. The Anna Maria Oyster Bar leases the pier restaurant from the city and the sign is on city property. A motion to approve CRA funding for â&#x20AC;&#x153;distressing, wrapping and gingerbreadingâ&#x20AC;? the restaurant sign so it would match the â&#x20AC;&#x153;old-Floridaâ&#x20AC;? aesthetic of the historic district passed 4-1 April 4. The motion did not include relocating the sign. Mayor John Chappie voted nay. The CRA board comprises the city commission and business representative members John Horne and Ed Chiles. Horne, owner of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, recused himself from the vote and took a seat in the gallery for the discussion. Member Ed Chiles was absent with excuse. The illuminated restaurant sign stands 16 feet 6 inches tall. The conditional-use permit allowed for a 13-foot-tall sign but did not address lighting. Horne said April 4 the sign company he contracted admits the height was their mistake and will lower the sign. He also said he would have the sign painted to appear like distressed wood.

Mike Norman Realty INC

tion, and although the sign would be painted slightly darker, there are no other changes planned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is our city brand, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our historic area and to me it just does not fit,â&#x20AC;? Chappie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the clock tower, the view, not the restaurant sign.â&#x20AC;? During public comment, Pla said the city is not addressing her requests. Resident Jim Hassett disagreed, saying sign visibility is important to bring business to the restaurant pier tenant that brings revenue to the city. Chappie made a motion to relocate the sign, which passed 3-2 with Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner voting â&#x20AC;&#x153;nay.â&#x20AC;? Next, a motion was passed to direct staff to notify Horne and put the sign on a future agenda. City attorney Ricinda Perry said Horne told her in March that he was opposed to moving the sign. The commission directed Perry to contact Horne and begin new discussions about the location and look of the sign.

PropertyWatch

Fidencia Pla looks over the Anna Maria Oyster Bar sign April 5 at the entry to the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The sign was installed in early 2017 and some people, including Pla, complain it does not ďŹ t the historic character of the district. Islander Photo: ChrisAnn Silver Esformes Additionally, a motion was unanimously approved at the CRA meeting to reinstall the pelican sign at a location to be determined by the city commission with the cost incurred by the CRA. Chappie continued to push back the next day against the AMOB sign â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this time at the city commission meeting. Horne was not present. At the April 5 meeting, Chappie passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Marilyn Maro and asked the commission to reconsider the motion approved in March to light, distress and decorate the sign. A motion to reconsider passed, bringing the previous motion on the sign back for discussion. Chappie said while he strongly supports the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the pier, it is a mistake to have the restaurant sign in such a prominent location. He suggested it be moved slightly south of its present loca-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are THE island.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; New Location Same Great Service

OFFERING THE BEST SELECTION OF SALES & RENTALS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND SINCE 1978 SINCE 1957

www.mikenormanrealty.com 31o1 Gulf Drive, Hholmes Beach 800-367-1617 | 941-778-6696

Full Service Property Management & Sales Dina Franklin (owner) Licensed Sales Associate & Property Manager

Island real estate sales

By Jesse Brisson Special to The Islander 520 Bayview Place, Anna Maria, a 3,730 sfla / 8,193 sfur 5bed/3Â˝bath/4car canalfront home pool built in 1987 on a 13,199 sq ft lot was sold 03/15/18, Sutherland to TD Palafox LLC for $1,840,000; list $1,874,000. 109 Park Ave., Anna Maria, a 2,129 sfla / 3,196 sfur 4bed/4Â˝bath/2car pool home built in 2017 on a 5,300 sq ft lot was sold 03/16/18, Bean Point Properties LLC to Larsson for $1,720,000; list $1,795,000. 217 Gladiolus St., Anna Maria, a 1,947 sfla / 2,667 sfur 4bed/3bath/2car canalfront pool home built in 1972 on a 8,250 sq ft lot was sold 03/16/18, Verticon Development LLC to Manasota Ventures LLC for $1,310,000; list $1,295,000. 2116 Ave. A, Bradenton Beach, a 2,838 sfla / 4,476 sfur 5bed/4bath pool home built in 2013 on a 5,000 sq ft lot was sold 03/20/18, Black to Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes LLC for $1,200,000. 501 70th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,711 sfla / 1,815 sfur 3bed/2bath pool home built in 1967 on a 10,200 sq ft lot was sold 03/15/18, Rulon to Warnock for $662,000; list $667,000. PLEASE SEE PROPeRtYWatCH, PAgE 29

941-809-3714 Michelle@MichelleMusto.com www.MichelleMusto.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1, Longboat Key

PERICO BAY CLUB 1020 Ibis Court, Bradenton. 2br/2ba, den, updated kitchen, 1-car garage, pool, spa & tennis! Offered at $349,900

9906 Gulf Drive www.annamariareal.com 941 778-2259 dina@annamariareal.com

More than 200 beautiful hand-selected properties to choose from.

WE TWEET TO0

Stop by our offices or visit our web-site to book your next vacation in paradise!

Ă&#x17D;ÂŁxĂ&#x160;*Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;> 941-779-0733 www.annamariaparadise.com

'ULF $RIVE s (OLMES "EACH s

1BR/1BA Top Floor Furnished Condo Weekly Rentals Priced to sell: $439,000

@ami_islander

Mel & Barb Neely, Realtors Call: 941-809-5565 941-807-6220 cellwithmel@gmail.com cellwithmelandbarb.com

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 29

Anna Maria Island chamber members and guests mingle April 4 at the IMG Academy Golf Club before the start of the monthly lunch. The next gathering will be a mixer at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests.

Expanding chamber expo

Manatee County business resource manager Bruno Kapacinskas discusses the third annual Business Recovery Expo, to be held Thursday, April 26. He addressed Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce lunch guests April 4 at IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. Islander Photos: Sandy Ambrogi

PROPeRtYWatCH CONTINUED FROM 28 6605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, a 861 sfla / 1,149 sfur 2bed/2bath home built in 1955 on a 7,000 sq ft lot was sold 03/20/18, Gulf Drive Ventures LLC to 6605 gulf LLC for $575,000. 202 78th St., Holmes Beach, a 1,222 sfla / 1,519 sfur 3bed/2bath/3car home built in 1991 on a 5,096 sq ft lot was sold 03/20/18, Pomeroy to Gulf Drive Ventures LLC for $570,000; list $599,000. 100 73rd St., unit 202A, Coconuts, Holmes Beach, a 660 sfla / 780 sfur 1bed/1bath Gulffront condo with shared pool built in 1972 was sold 03/20/18, Thornhill to Mda Fidu Inc for $498,000; list $498,000. 201 35th St., unit 6, Anna Maria Beach Place,

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Lyn Hulan, left, of Fidelity Bank, Sally Byer of Trustco Bank and Christine Olsen of TIFF’s Initiative — To Inform Families First — chat before lunch April 4 at the AMI chamber gathering at IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton.

Holmes Beach, a 630 sfla 1bed/1bath condo with shared pool built in 1969 was sold 03/16/18, Melton Developments LLC to Unit 6 LLC for $385,000; list $410,000. 443 62nd St., Holmes Beach, a 940 sfla / 1,204

sfur 2bed/2bath/1car attached villa built in 1966 on a 2,784 sq ft lot was sold 03/20/18, Collier to Fox for $290,000; list $299,000. Jesse Brisson, broker/associate at Gulf-Bay Realty of Anna Maria, can be reached at 941-778-7244.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive Hannah Hillyard 941.744.7358 A4184576 $1,955,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 871 N Shore Drive Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4204189 $1,699,000

PA L M E T T O 1007 Riviera Dunes Way Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4203167 $1,598,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 3708 Gulf Drive 1 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4209523 $1,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 104 43rd Street Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4209338 $999,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $749,000

L O N G B OAT K E Y 5611 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4207769 $699,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

BR ADENTON 1317 Calle Grand Street Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4214765 $463,583

BR ADENTON 9206 13th Avenue Circle NW Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4196553 $425,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $379,000

BR ADENTON 5724 8th Avenue Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4203129 $280,000

BR ADENTON 3440 77th Street W 201 Rich Sporl 941-761-7349 A4206654 $399,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENTAL

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

BR ADENTON 4919 52nd Avenue W Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4199274 $585,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION ANNA MARIA ISLAND 448 63rd Street Maria Kagin 941-779-4150 A4215272 $1,250

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

30 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

isl

biz

BY SANDY AMBROGI

Transformations this week on the business scene

Motel remade with love in mind It’s not quite a Sandals Resort on a Caribbean island, but it may be the closest thing we have to one on Anna Maria Island. After a year of remodeling, Tom Buehler has announced the rebranding of his Haley’s Motel into a couple’s retreat. Rooms, studios and one-bedroom cottages at Haley’s are clustered around the pool. Also, a table for two is situated among the tropical landscaping at each front door. Several units offer private backdoor gardens, as well. For those traveling in a group, Haley’s has accommodations for up to three couples. Buehler also is offering “Is This Your Room?,” a program for returning guests who may be looking to rebook the same room. Haley’s Motel is at 8102 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact Buehler at 941778-5405 or visit the website at haleysmotel.com. Local real estate agents to expand their horizons Let’s face it. It’s all about location, location, location in real estate, especially on a 7-mile long island. Jen and Mark Bowman have known this for a while, operating their Keller Williams Realty Bowman and Company office in Holmes Beach. Now the pair is expanding twofold, with a presence in a second office on the island, and a new division, Portfolio Vacations, which will deal in short-term and annual rentals on the island.

Barbara Baker, left, a longtime partner with David Teitelbaum in Anna Maria Island Resorts, and Katy Demick, AMI Resorts assistant general manager, announced Teitelbaum’s retirement from daily operations of the company April 4 during an Anna Maria David Teitelbaum proudly displays his award on Island Chamber of Commerce event. Islander Photo: being named Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island Business Person of the Year 2009. Islander File Sandy Ambrogi Photo The new offices, both in Bradenton Beach, will open later in the year. The Holmes Beach location at 5386 Gulf Drive will remain in operation. For more information, call the Bowmans at 941840-0117 or go to the website, bowmansellshomes. com. Best wishes For many years, David Teitelbaum has been the face of Anna Maria Island Resorts. The developer, builder, sales agent and AMI Resorts owner has received numerous accolades over the years, including 2013 Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Partner of the Year and 2010 Anna Maria Island Business Person of the Year. He has been a huge supporter of local businesses and active in all manner of community charities, events and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. He was an AMI chamber board member from 2004-2018, having tendered his resignation by letter at the March 21 chamber board of directors meeting. He also served

on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, the Center of Anna Maria Island and Visit Florida! boards. Teitelbaum helped develop the advertising program, in conjunction with Manatee County, that supports the free trolley service on the island. Teitelbaum’s business partner, Barbara Baker, announced his retirement from AMI Resorts April 4, during the chamber lunch at IMg Academy golf Club in Bradenton. “I’ll be the one Katy is taking around now,” Baker said, referring to assistant general manager Katy Demick, who frequently networked at chamber events alongside Teitlebaum. Best wishes to David. Well done.

Business news

Does your business celebrate achievements? Maybe you received an award or staff deserves kudos. Submit your information to news@islander.org.

BizCal

THE ISLANDER n ApRIL 11, 2018 n 31

By Sandy Ambrogi

Spring blooms with April chamber events

Last call! The food trucks will be lined up, the stage will be rocking, the crafts will be selling and the kids will be playing. From 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce presents the third annual Beach’N Food Truck Festival. The chamber hopes you head to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach for a day of fun at the family-friendly event. Some vendor spaces remain for arts and crafts and retail sales at $150. Volunteers also are welcome. Call the chamber for details. Applications for island chamber scholarships are being accepted through Monday, April 30. The chamber will name four $1,000 winners. Manatee County seniors continuing their education in a business field are eligible to apply. Application forms are on the website at amichamber.org. Scholarships will be awarded in May. For more information, call 941-778-1541, visit the office and tourist center at 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Feast on the Beach will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at The Resort Longboat Key Club, 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key. guests will enjoy appetizers, dinner, music and more, all under the stars at the beach. Tickets, $150, are available at the LBK chamber office only. The Longboat Key chamber is looking for ambassadors to assist with special events, ribbon-cuttings, monthly lunches and Business After Hours, as well as to assist new members. The qualification is membership of the LBK chamber for a minimum of six months. Contact David Farrar, chairman of the ambassador committee at dfarrar@my100bank.com or gail Loef-

Tim Rariden, center, holds giant scissors April 3 as he prepares to cut a ribbon celebrating the opening of Island Anchor Insurance AMI, 9805 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Chamber members, friends and relatives gathered around Rariden. Guests were treated to a buffet, libations, chair massages from Body and Sol Spa upstairs in the same building, and also door prizes during the festivities. Islander Photo: Sandy Ambrogi gren at the chamber office. For information about the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce or to register for events, call the office at 941-383-2466, visit the website at longboatkeychamber.com or the office at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.

Common gathering areas and new landscaping are just a glimpse into the reimagined Haley’s Motel, which owner Tom Buehler has rebranded as a couple’s retreat. Room accommodations include studios and one-bedroom cottages. Islander Photo: Courtesy Haley’s Motel

The Best Kept Secret in Anna Maria! Captivating & Luxurious Waterfront Home in Anna Maria

4 Bedroom 3 Bath 2,656 sqft Waterfront $1,000,000

Incredible Waterfront Mediterranean styled condo complete with private elevator, wrought iron balconies, two enormous verandas mahogany wood flooring and travertine on nearly every surface! This home boasts the absolute best deep water dock space (40’ end space) equipped with a 13500 lb. lift. Located on the peak of the Intracoastal Waterway just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Extensive master retreat with large veranda and an ensuite fit for royalty! Enjoy sunrise views of the water. Home has gated access, pool and is only two blocks to the beach and steps from your boat slip! For a private tour of this home, call/text Jake today! 813-407-0504

Realtor® Sales Agent

Experienced, Dedicated & Knowledgeable JakeWalshRealty

E XC L U S I V E LY O F F E R E D B Y

Shellie Young P.A.

Sales Associate Premier Sotheby ’s International Realty

Jake Walsh MBA

813.407.0504

4 Bedrooms & 4.5 Baths – Impeccable selection of finishes. Thoughtful one floor of living floor plan. Elevator. Sustainable Landscaping. Over $200K annual Income history. 2 garages hold 4 cars. Offered at: $2,199,999.

shellie.young@sothebysrealty.com www.shellieyoung.com DIRECT: 941.713.5458

www.NorthstarRealty.com 216 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Master Certified Negotiation Specialist, Certified Luxur y Home Marketing Specialist, Voted “Best in Customer Satisfaction” Sarasota Magazine since 2016 - 5 Star Premier Agent

32 n ApRIL 11, 2018 n THE ISLANDER

Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawn Service Inc. Established in 1983 Residential and Commercial Full service lawn maintenance Landscaping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clean-up Hauling tree trimming Licensed & Insured

Paradise Improvements

941.792.5600

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist Replacement Doors and Windows

Andrew Chennault

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Island References Lic#CBC056755

CBC 1253471

RDI CONSTRUCTION INC. Residential & Condo Renovations Kitchens â&#x20AC;¢ Bath â&#x20AC;¢ Design Service Carpentry â&#x20AC;¢ Flooring â&#x20AC;¢ Painting Commercial & Residential

References available â&#x20AC;¢ 941-720-7519

Bed: A bargain!

King, Queen, Full & Twin, pre-owned from $30 new/used. 941-922-5271 www.sleepking.net

islanderClassiFieds ITEMS FOR SALE

PETS Continued

DRIFTWOOD VINTAGE ITEMS: Custom built, each one-of-kind. Our personal items, several pieces. 941-755-9341.

YOU CAN HELP! Fosters, volunteers, retailtype help needed for Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Email: moonraceranimalrescue@gmail. com.

SOFA: HUGE THREE-piece corner sectional. Each section, 6 feet by 6 inches long. Dark pink velvet. Amazing quality. $350. 515-480-3078. GLASS-TOP RATTAN table, four cane seat chairs, cushions, $75. Bradenton. Contact Phil, 609-602-9971.

BIMINI BAY SAILING: Small sailboat rentals and instruction. Day. Week. Month. Sunfish, Laser, Windrider 17 and Precision 15. Call Brian at 941685-1400.

SWIVEL RATTAN ROCKER and ottoman, Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, excellent condition, $280. 941-779-1776.

PONTOON BOAT RENTAL Create life long memories. Call 941-778-2121 or see boatflorida.net.

ANTIQUE PARTNER DESK: All wood, $1,000. See at The Islander office, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

2004 SAILFISH 2100 Bay Boat, Anna Maria.150 engine hours, ProFish package, two 160-quart fish boxes, raw-water washdown, remote fill (four-stroke) dual battery switch, Bimini top, etc. Maintained and clean. $20,000. Call Mary Ann, 908-339-2058.

FOUR OAK OFFICE chairs: Antiques, perfect for eclectic dining set. The Islander newspaper, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

FREEBIE ITEMS FOR SALE INDIVIDUALS MAY PLACE one free ad with up to three items, each priced $100 or less, 15 words or less. FREE, one week, must be submitted online. Email classifieds@islander.org, fax tollfree 1-866-362-9821. (limited time offer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS Home Checks for Snowbirds!

WANTED: WORKOUT DVDs and retired but working XBox, Wii units with games for Ministry of Presence for kids and teens in Haiti. Deliver to The Islander, 3218 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

+EY (OLDER s /PEN 9OUR (OME $OG 7ALKING 0ET #ARE

)SLAND 2ESIDENT s ,ICENSED )NSURED WWW AMIHOMEWATCH COM #ALL 3ARAH -EAKER 941.773.5349

$YDLODEOH $We 3218 E. BAY DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH 941.778.7978 â&#x20AC;¢ WWW.ISLANDER.ORG

F A K E S

ANSWERS TO APRIL 11 PUZZLE A L I V E

R A D A R S

A T T H E B A T

L I V E W I T H

L E M M E S E E

P E C S

G A L O P

M I A M I

F R O B A M I N A I N F U I T C R E HS O N I N A B Y A E R A S H O A M A P A P E N R W S T I O E S N S H

M A

P O CY S T S I P N I S E A M D E C R O A C K N K E A S T S A G I Z I N I G D I E A N C BS T A O T

C H O I C E K A L E S

B O R D E L

N O D T O

S H E

D E C I T O R C H

E G RI O G E S H R T O A F I D I C S T A

M A D A M E O A H U T A B S E T

P U N A V E PA E X C A T Y P L L R I B E A S S I A S D L E I T S O R R I S E R S E G A C C H C A E R D E

I T I V M A R I P R E S G N A G E E S O T S S I A T A D E M A A W P DY O T A M I B R A V C A N E U M P I A S C A O C U L L E D E A D E S C E N

JOB FAIR: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club.is currently hiring the following full-time/part-time positions: Cooks, kitchen steward/dishwashers , food and beverage supervisor s, bartenders , servers , server assistants, part-time restaurant hosts, part-time housekeeping attendant s, housekeeping supervisor , public area attendant , front desk supervisor , resort hosts, shuttle drivers , recreation host , maintenance technician . Contact: 941-238-6261, Vivian. Submit resumes: vwinstead@mainsailhotels.com. 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

GARAGE SALE/OPEN house: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, Lots of great stuff! 403 72nd St., Holmes Beach. ESTATE SALE: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, April 13. 102 Tuna St., Anna Maria (park with tires off pavement). Bookcase/wall unit, musical instruments including flute, desks, including Ethan Allen, pair recliners, marble-top chest, queen-bed set, king-bed set, wicker, bar stools, prints, TVs, patio furniture, decorative accessories, books, kitchenware, linens, rugs and miscellaneous. Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8 a.m. E A S T N O T A S E A

R E

R D

SMALL BEACH RESORT seeking part-time person for front office and related duties required for management of property. Computer comprehension mandatory. Quickbooks knowledge useful. Tourist-relationship skills very important. Some weekend participation required. Email resume to: soundgal@tampabay.rr.com.

AERIAL PHOTOS of Anna Maria Island. View and purchase online: www.jackelka.com.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP: Open 9:30 a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-1p.m. Saturday. Donations preferred 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.